The ECOWAS-Ecobank Empowerment Programme for Women Traders has been launched in Abuja, aiming to address gender disparities in trade across the region. This initiative is a collaboration between ECOWAS and Ecobank, designed to empower women entrepreneurs through mentorship, financial access, and business training. The programme will help participants leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and contribute to regional economic growth, starting with a pilot programme in Nigeria.
H.E. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, highlighted the importance of empowering women in trade: “When women thrive, communities prosper, and our economy becomes stronger.” Representing the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, she reiterated ECOWAS’s commitment to overcoming financial and market access challenges faced by women traders. She described this launch as the start of a six-month journey aimed at equipping participants with practical tools for business growth and cross-border trade.
Mr Tunde Dawodu, Divisional Head for FCT & North at Ecobank, expressed the bank’s support for women entrepreneurs: “Through our ELLEVATE Programme and Single Market Trade Hub, we aim to offer financing, mentorship, and digital tools that will enable women to thrive in competitive markets.” He emphasized the significance of preferential loans and networking platforms in expanding participants’ businesses and improving their access to regional markets.
Mrs. Nonye AYENI, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), stressed the Council’s role in capacity-building efforts related to good agricultural practices, packaging, and export documentation. “We are committed to helping women traders build sustainable businesses and access new markets,” Ayeni stated.
This two-day event lays the groundwork for a six-month programme where participants will receive ongoing mentorship, training, and financial support. The initiative aligns with ECOWAS’s Vision 2050 strategy to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development across the region. H.E. TOURE-LITSE concluded: “This launch is just the beginning,” adding that through mentorship, coaching, and credit access they are dedicated to ensuring these women entrepreneurs expand their impact.
Participants also gained insights from organizations such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), and Nigeria Customs Service on finance facilitation and export procedures.
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