IWD 2026: EcoBank Deepens Commitment To Women-Led Businesses With ‘Ellevate’ Upgrade
Marking IWD with Action
TO commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, Ecobank Nigeria has introduced an enhanced version of its women-focused financing initiative, “Ellevate,” expanding its reach and deepening its impact.
Originally launched in 2021 to address financing gaps faced by women-led SMEs, the upgraded programme now adopts a more inclusive and integrated framework, extending its services across all of the bank’s business segments.
The move underscores Ecobank’s commitment not only to financial inclusion but also to the long-term competitiveness of women-owned enterprises across Nigeria and other African markets where the bank operates.
Flexible Financing and Digital Integration
Managing Director Bolaji Lawal described the new phase as a significant evolution of the bank’s gender financing strategy.
He explained that the initiative provides improved access to loans on competitive terms, alongside more flexible collateral requirements intended to dismantle long-standing barriers to credit access.
In addition to lending, the enhanced structure integrates digital payment systems, collections services, and cash management solutions to streamline business operations and enhance efficiency.
Driving Trade and Capacity Development
A central pillar of the new framework is structured market access. Through Ecobank’s “MyTradeHub” digital platform, women entrepreneurs can access matchmaking opportunities and expand into cross-border trade, aligning with Africa’s growing regional integration agenda.
The programme also prioritises capacity building. Beneficiaries will participate in leadership development programmes, targeted training sessions, and knowledge-sharing forums designed to strengthen governance, strategy, and sustainability.
Further support includes tailored wealth management advisory services, insurance solutions, and loyalty incentives that offer commercial advantages through selected partnerships.
Advancing Inclusive Growth
Lawal stressed that empowering women entrepreneurs is essential to driving inclusive economic growth.
“Our approach goes beyond financial inclusion,” he noted. “We are building a supportive ecosystem that enhances resilience, competitiveness, and long-term growth for women-led businesses.”
With the expanded “Ellevate” initiative, Ecobank reinforces its ambition to provide holistic, world-class banking solutions that enable African women entrepreneurs to scale sustainably and compete effectively in regional and global markets.
The unveiling, timed with International Women’s Day, signals a strategic commitment to ensuring women remain central contributors to Africa’s economic advancement.
