Access Bank Novare partnership transforms African retail with digital-first banking, offering microloans, wallets, and financial tools to millions of underserved shoppers

Access Bank Novare partnership is poised to reshape Africa’s retail experience by combining real estate and financial technology in a groundbreaking initiative.

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In a joint announcement, Novare, a top pan-African real estate developer, and Access Bank Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, revealed plans to roll out a digital-first platform across Novare’s malls.

This partnership will seamlessly blend retail and finance, allowing millions of African shoppers to access microloans, digital wallets, insurance, and buy-now-pay-later services directly through the Novare shopping app. The goal is simple: to make shopping smarter, easier, and more inclusive.

The digital platform will serve both online and offline retail environments. By embedding advanced banking services into everyday commerce, the partners are bridging a crucial gap. Many consumers across the continent remain outside formal financial systems, and this effort could bring them in.

“This partnership aligns with our mission to create real, inclusive value for communities across Africa,” said Rosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc.

“By embedding banking services within the retail ecosystem, we are removing barriers for both merchants and shoppers, helping them to grow, thrive, and participate meaningfully in the formal economy.”

One of the standout features of this initiative is the microloan function. It aims to provide credit access to up to 13 million individuals.

These small loans will be integrated directly into the Novare app, making it easier than ever for people to access funds responsibly. It targets populations historically excluded by traditional banking.

“We are giving millions of people across Africa a chance to access credit safely and conveniently, all through a retail app,” said Iyabo Soji–Okunsanya, Executive Director of Corporate and Investment Banking at Access Bank.

“This is not just financial innovation, it’s social impact at scale. We’re proud to help bridge the gap between commerce and capital.”

In addition to lending, the new digital platform will support instant account and wallet creation. The app will include a robust loyalty system known as Novas Cash.

Shoppers will also benefit from flexible payment options, including debit and credit cards, wallet-to-wallet transfers, and other convenient features.

Merchants, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises operating within Novare malls, will gain access to digital payment tools and financing solutions. Thousands of SMEs will now be empowered to grow in a market that is becoming increasingly digitised.

Derick Roper, Managing Director of Novare Equity Partners, emphasised the transformative nature of the partnership. “This collaboration with Access Bank is a strategic leap forward—not just for Novare, but for the future of retail in Africa.

Together, we are redefining the shopping experience by fusing world-class real estate with cutting-edge financial services. It’s a win-win for customers, merchants, and the broader economy.”

The initiative does not stop at payments and loans. Shoppers will be offered tailored insurance products such as electronics protection and extended warranties. This addition ensures a complete ecosystem of financial services built around the retail journey.

Although the platform is still in its early stages, expectations are high. By marrying banking and retail at scale, Access Bank and Novare are setting a new standard for what African consumers can expect from their shopping experiences.

With the Access Bank Novare partnership, the goal is not just to boost convenience, but to drive inclusive economic growth. Millions stand to benefit from this digital revolution, from small shop owners to shoppers seeking affordable financing.

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As Africa’s economies grow, initiatives like this one will play a key role in ensuring no one is left behind.