By Ayomide Otitoju
Ecobank Nigeria has launched an enhanced version of its flagship gender financing initiative, Ellevate by Ecobank, as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.
The upgraded programme expands its original scope beyond the Commercial Banking segment to cover all business segments, creating a broader ecosystem aimed at addressing structural financing and growth barriers faced by women-owned, women-led, and women-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Ecobank Nigeria’s Managing Director, Bolaji Lawal, said the enhancement reinforces the bank’s ambition to remain the financial partner of choice for women entrepreneurs.
“Since its launch in Nigeria in July 2021, Ellevate has delivered meaningful impact for SMEs and women-led businesses. This next phase deepens our value proposition and reinforces our resolve to remain the preferred financial partner for women entrepreneurs,” he said.
Under the expanded framework, beneficiaries will have improved access to credit on competitive terms, including more flexible collateral requirements designed to ease traditional financing constraints. The programme also integrates digital payment, collections, and cash management solutions to strengthen operational efficiency and scalability.
A key component of the initiative is structured market access through the bank’s MyTradeHub online matchmaking platform, which enables women entrepreneurs to connect with customers and trade partners across Africa, supporting cross-border expansion and participation in regional value chains.
Beyond financing, the enhanced Ellevate programme offers non-financial support such as targeted training, leadership development sessions, and knowledge-sharing platforms to strengthen managerial capacity. Participants will also benefit from customised wealth management advisory services, integrated insurance solutions, and a loyalty framework providing commercial incentives through selected retail and lifestyle partnerships.
Lawal noted that the programme aligns with Ecobank’s broader commitment to inclusive growth and economic empowerment for women across its pan-African network.
With the upgrade, Ecobank Nigeria further strengthens its position in gender-lens financing, supporting financial inclusion, SME development, and regional trade integration across Africa.
