Access Bank Cameroon Signs Landmark Dual Partnership with UCCC and UCCC Foundation to Advance Local Development and Financial Inclusion
Yaoundé, Cameroon. Access Bank Cameroon has formalised a groundbreaking dual cooperation agreement with the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon (UCCC) and the UCCC Foundation, setting a new benchmark for public-private collaboration in local development financing and inclusive digital banking.
The official signing ceremony brought together high-level dignitaries and institutional leaders, reaffirming a shared vision for grassroots empowerment through strategic investment in decentralised territorial communities (CTDs). The agreements represent a bold leap forward in Access Bank Cameroon’s commitment to inclusive finance, sustainable development, and economic resilience across all ten regions of the country.
The dual protocol agreement seeks to equip municipalities with cutting-edge financial solutions, enabling them to plan, fund, and execute high-impact development projects in critical sectors such as agriculture, fish farming, energy access, water and sanitation, youth employment, and digital transformation.
“This partnership is more than a symbolic handshake,” stated Mr. Ellis Nzo Asu, Managing Director of Access Bank Cameroon. “It is a strategic roadmap to deliver real solutions at the grassroots level. We are proud to collaborate with the UCCC and its Foundation to create sustainable economic ecosystems that not only empower local councils but improve lives across Cameroon.”
With this new framework, Access Bank Cameroon will provide tailored financial instruments and digital banking platforms to help CTDs manage their resources more efficiently and transparently. The partnership also lays the foundation for social impact financing, with a particular emphasis on supporting vulnerable communities and reinforcing the decentralisation policy of the state.
Mr Augustin Tamba, National President of the UCCC and Mayor of Yaoundé 7, praised the initiative, stating: “This is a historic moment for decentralised governance in Cameroon. Through this collaboration, our councils are gaining access to the tools and capital they need to unlock their full development potential. Access Bank Cameroon has demonstrated foresight and a genuine commitment to local empowerment.”
A parallel agreement with the UCCC Foundation, which focuses on humanitarian and social development programs, highlights both institutions’ alignment in tackling multidimensional challenges ranging from food insecurity to limited infrastructure access.
Dr Loïc Nicolas, General Manager of the UCCC Foundation, remarked: “This agreement aligns perfectly with our mission to support vulnerable populations and build local capacities. By joining forces with Access Bank Cameroon, we can implement projects that are not only sustainable but also deeply rooted in the needs of our communities.”
The partnership reinforces Access Bank Cameroon’s role as a transformative financial actor in the public sector and development finance space. It is part of a broader strategy to accelerate digital and financial inclusion, especially in underbanked regions.
Rolande Mangwa, Head of Public Sector and International Organisations at Access Bank Cameroon, added: “This is the kind of impact-driven partnership that defines our public sector strategy. Our role is to bridge the gap between finance and public service, making sure that councils have access to tailored, innovative banking solutions that respond to real needs on the ground.
The ceremony also featured other key stakeholders and champions of local development, including Mr Anicet Akoa (Vice-President of the UCCC and Mayor of Ngoulemakong), Mr Gregory Mewanu (National Treasurer of the UCCC and Mayor of Kumba), and senior representatives from Access Bank Cameroon’s Digital and Retail Banking units.
Through this dual agreement, Access Bank Cameroon and its partners are setting a new precedent for institutional collaboration in Cameroon, one that blends financial innovation with grassroots empowerment. By targeting local governments and their constituents, the Bank is not only extending its footprint beyond urban financial corridors but also embedding resilience where it matters most: at the community level.
About Access Bank Cameroon PLC
Access Bank Cameroon, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, proudly reflects the heritage of Africa’s largest bank by customer numbers. Established in May 2022, Access Bank Cameroon has quickly emerged as a key player in the nation’s financial sector, demonstrating exceptional growth and a steadfast commitment to financial inclusion. The Bank’s exponential rise is part of Access Bank Group’s wider journey, which began in West Africa in 1989.
The Bank’s strategic goals align with the Access Corporation’s vision to build a globally connected ecosystem inspired by Africa. By leveraging technology and innovation, Access Bank is migrating most of its customers to digital platforms and expanding its footprint across 26 African countries by 2027.
As Access Bank Cameroon continues to support trade, payments, and investment flows within Cameroon, across Africa, and beyond, its mission remains clear: to be the world’s most respected African bank while driving financial inclusion and innovation.