ECOWAS,Ecobank launch capacity building program to support businesswomen

The ECOWAS-Ecobank Capacity Building Programme for Businesswomen was officially launched in Abuja, marking a crucial step towards reducing gender inequality in regional trade.

This initiative, a collaboration between ECEDAO and Ecobank, aims to strengthen the skills of women entrepreneurs through mentoring, access to funding and business management training, preparing them to exploit the opportunities of the African Continental Free Exchange Zone (ZLECAF) and contribute to the development of the African Continent Free Exchange Zone significant way to regional economic growth, with a pilot program starting in Nigeria.

The Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Her Excellency Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, has highlighted the transformative potential of empowering women in trade, stating: “When women thrive, communities thrive and our economy strengthens.” “On behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, His Excellency TOURE-LITSE reaffirmed the ECOWAS’ commitment to addressing the financial and market access challenges facing business women. She described the launch as the beginning of a six-month journey in which participants will receive practical tools to grow their businesses and promote cross-border trade.

The Regional Director for FCT and Ecobank North, Mr. Tunde Dawodu reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs: “Through our ELEVATE programme and the Single Market Trade Hub, we intend to provide funding, mentoring and digital tools for women to thrive in competitive markets,” he said. M. Dawodu also stressed the importance of preferential loans and networking platforms in developing participants’ businesses and improving their access to regional markets.

The Executive Director and CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni has highlighted the Council’s efforts on export good agricultural practices, packaging and documentation. “We are determined to help businesswomen build sustainable businesses and access new markets,” she said.

This two-day event lays the foundation for a six-month program where participants will receive ongoing mentoring, training and financial support. The initiative reflects ECOWAS Vision 2050, which aims to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development in the region. “This launch is just a beginning,” concluded Her Excellency TOURE-LITSE, “and thanks to mentoring, coaching and access to credit, we are determined to ensure that these women entrepreneurs multiply their impact and unlock greater prosperity. »

Participants also received briefings from the Export Promotion Council of Nigeria, Import-Export Bank of Nigeria (NEXIM) and the Nigeria Customs Service on financial facilitation and export procedures, equipping them with practical tools to navigate cross-border trade efficiently.