ECOWAS and Ecobank have launched a six-month training program to empower women entrepreneurs in West Africa, aiming to provide them with essential skills to succeed in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This initiative focuses on enhancing financial literacy, trade knowledge, and access to growth tools for women-led businesses across the region.
Supporting Women in Trade Across West Africa
At the program’s launch in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray, represented by Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, highlighted the contributions of Nigerian entrepreneurs and Ecobank in advancing economic integration.
She noted the challenges women in Small Scale Cross-Border Trade (SSCBT) face, particularly in securing financing and expanding markets. This partnership is part of ECOWAS Vision 2050, which promotes economic inclusivity and capacity-building for MSMEs, especially those led by women.
Program Benefits
Initially targeting Nigerian women entrepreneurs, the training will extend to other ECOWAS countries, impacting about 800 women throughout the region. Through Ecobank’s ELLEVATE Program and Single Market Trade Hub, participants gain access to customized financial products, digital tools, and mentorship in cross-border trade.
The collaboration also involves agencies like the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigeria Customs Service, which provide training on export procedures, agricultural practices, and packaging, ensuring participants meet market standards.
Long-Term Vision for Growth
Mr. Kolawole Sofola, ECOWAS Director of Trade, shared that the program aims to create job opportunities and promote sustainable growth by building women’s business knowledge.
Ecobank’s Divisional Head, Mr. Tunde Dawodu, emphasized the bank’s commitment to helping women entrepreneurs reach wider markets and compete effectively. By tapping into AfCFTA’s potential, the ECOWAS-Ecobank partnership paves the way for broader regional expansion, underscoring a commitment to economic resilience and empowering women entrepreneurs across West Africa.