Ecobank Nigeria has launched an enhanced version of its gender financing initiative, Ellevate by Ecobank, reinforcing its commitment to supporting women-led businesses across the country.
The upgraded programme, unveiled as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026, expands the original framework into a broader ecosystem that cuts across all business segments of the bank. Initially introduced in July 2021 to improve access to finance for women-owned, women-led, and women-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Commercial Banking segment, Ellevate now operates as a more inclusive and structured platform.
Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, described the enhancement as a strategic step in strengthening the bank’s value proposition to female 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,” Lawal said.
Under the expanded structure, beneficiaries will have improved access to credit facilities on competitive terms. The bank has introduced more flexible collateral considerations to ease traditional financing constraints that often limit women’s access to capital.
Beyond credit, the programme integrates digital payment solutions, collections systems, and cash management tools aimed at improving operational efficiency and helping businesses scale sustainably.
A key component of the enhancement is structured market access. Through Ecobank’s MyTradeHub online matchmaking platform and its e-commerce enablement capabilities, women entrepreneurs will be able to connect with customers and trade partners across Africa. This is expected to support cross-border trade and participation in regional value chains.
The programme also incorporates non-financial support mechanisms designed to strengthen long-term business sustainability. These include targeted training programmes, leadership development sessions, and knowledge-sharing platforms focused on building managerial and strategic capacity.
In addition, beneficiaries will gain access to customised wealth management advisory services, integrated insurance solutions, and a loyalty framework that provides commercial incentives through selected retail and lifestyle partnerships.
Lawal emphasised that the initiative aligns with the bank’s broader objective of driving inclusive growth by positioning women as central contributors to economic development.
“African businesswomen deserve world-class banking solutions that drive turnover, profitability, and sustainable growth. Our approach goes beyond financial inclusion to building an enabling ecosystem that enhances competitiveness and long-term resilience,” he said.
Ecobank Nigeria also continues to host flagship platforms such as Adire Lagos, Oja Oge, +234Art Fair, the Lagos Pop-Up Museum, SME Bazaar, and the Design & Build Exhibition, which provide additional visibility and commercial opportunities for women-owned enterprises.
The enhanced Ellevate programme strengthens Ecobank Nigeria’s strategic focus on gender-lens financing while advancing SME development, financial inclusion, and regional trade integration across its pan-African network.
