Ecobank Nigeria said it has concluded plans to launch “Ellevate”, a bespoke women empowerment proposition of the Ecobank Group.
Ellevate, an initiative of the Ecobank Group which is being launched in the 33 African countries where it operates, is targeted at empowering women-owned and women-focused businesses in Nigeria.
The programme also targets manufacturers of products used by women. Its launch underscores the bank’s commitment to empowering women by providing the platforms and opportunities for them to thrive.
Ecobank understands that women’s needs are unique and has put in place the appropriate resources to meet those needs.
Executive Director, Commercial Banking of the Bank, Carol Oyedeji said the initiative which is scheduled for launch on July 7, 2021 in Lagos is specially designed for women in business, and businesses with a high percentage of female executives or employees.
“With Ellevate, we recognize and acknowledge the critical role of women in the society. Ellevate offers women-owned businesses a wide reaching suite of solutions, incorporating smarter money management, discounted financing and value-added services to deliver, that female entrepreneurs need at the right time. We will work with the private sector and other interest groups to realise this.
“Ellevate offers end-to-end, differentiated business solutions, financial support, advisory services and networking opportunities for businesses in Nigeria that are managed and owned by women. In developing Ellevate, Ecobank took into consideration what women require from their bankers and successfully came up with pragmatic solutions that will help bridge identified gaps”. She stated.
Speaking further, she said Ecobank Nigeria remains a women friendly bank that has many initiatives and innovative products targeted at empowering female entrepreneurs.
“One of these is the Ecobank Female Entrepreneurs’ Initiative (EFEI), a platform designed to empower and support women owned small-scale businesses. In addition, there are business loans for Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs), inventory finance for key distributors, shop owner’s facility for traders, purchase order and invoice discounting, asset finance and agriculture finance among other laudable offerings,” she added.
The Special Guest of Honour expected at the Ellevate launch is the Managing Director, Development Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Okpanachi; the Panelists are: Founder, Health Africa, FolaLaoye; Founder, Braveline Growth Partners, TabaPeterside and Founder of Ruff n Tumble, Nike Ogunlesi, While the moderator is TolulopeBabajide, the Innovations and Partnerships Advisor on (Nigeria for Women Project), A World Bank-supported project.
