Ecobank Nigeria has unveiled an upgraded version of its flagship gender financing programme, Ellevate by Ecobank, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD). The move reaffirms the bank’s commitment to empowering women-led businesses in Nigeria and across Africa.
Originally launched in July 2021 to improve access to finance for women-owned and women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within its Commercial Banking division, the initiative has recorded measurable impact. With the latest upgrade, Ellevate now adopts a broader and more inclusive structure, extending its benefits across all business segments to create a stronger and more holistic support system for female entrepreneurs.
The Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, explained that the enhanced programme reflects the bank’s ambition to remain the preferred financial partner for women in business. He noted that the new phase strengthens the initiative’s long-term relevance and value proposition.
Under the revamped framework, participants will enjoy improved access to finance on more flexible and competitive terms, including reduced collateral requirements designed to tackle traditional lending barriers. The programme also integrates digital banking solutions such as payments, collections, and cash management tools to improve operational efficiency and support business growth.
A major highlight of the upgrade is expanded market access. Through Ecobank’s MyTradeHub platform and its e-commerce capabilities, women entrepreneurs can now connect with customers and trade partners across Africa, unlocking cross-border opportunities and deeper participation in regional value chains.
Beyond financing, the initiative offers capacity-building programmes, leadership training, and knowledge-sharing platforms aimed at strengthening business sustainability. Beneficiaries will also access tailored wealth management advisory services, insurance solutions, and a loyalty programme that delivers commercial incentives through strategic lifestyle and retail partnerships.
Lawal emphasized that the initiative aligns with the bank’s broader goal of promoting inclusive economic growth by positioning women as key drivers of development. He added that Ecobank Nigeria continues to provide platforms such as Adire Lagos, Oja Oge, +234Art Fair, Lagos Pop-Up Museum, SME Bazaar, and the Design & Build Exhibition to showcase and elevate women-owned businesses.
With this latest enhancement, Ecobank Nigeria reinforces its leadership in gender-focused financing while advancing its pan-African mandate of driving financial inclusion, SME growth, and regional trade integration.
