• Mobilising capital to expand financing for women-owned businesses, including innovative instruments such as the Gender Bond issued by Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire.
• Strengthening business capabilities through partnerships such as the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative, delivered with the International Finance Corporation, which provides women entrepreneurs with practical training in leadership, finance, marketing and business growth.
• Supporting grassroots women entrepreneurs through the MAMA Programme in Ghana, implemented by Pan-African Savings and Loans (Ecobank’s microfinance subsidiary). Since May 2024, the initiative has enrolled 10,000+ women in the informal sector, provided US$1.8M+ in subsidised credit to over 2,000 women, and delivered 150+ financial and digital training sessions, helping women stabilise, formalise and grow their businesses while connecting them to the broader Ellevate ecosystem.

Ecobank contributes to advancing women’s economic empowerment across Africa through global partnerships. Our Group CEO, Jeremy Awori, is a member of the Women LEAD Alliance, an initiative convened by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that brings together private-sector leaders to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Africa. Through this collaboration, Ecobank supports efforts to improve access to finance, networks and growth opportunities for women-led businesses.