To assist women traders, ECOWAS and Ecobank have launched an empowerment program.

In order to close the gender gap in trade throughout the region, the ECOWAS-Ecobank Empowerment Programme for Women Traders was formally introduced in Abuja. With a pilot program beginning in Nigeria, the initiative, a partnership between ECOWAS and Ecobank, seeks to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with business training, financial access, and mentorship. This will enable them to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and make a significant contribution to regional economic growth.

“When women thrive, communities prosper, and our economy becomes stronger,” said H.E. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, underscoring the transformative potential of empowering women in commerce. Reiterating ECOWAS’s commitment to addressing market and financial access, H.E. TOURE-LITSE spoke on behalf of H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission.

obstacles that female traders must overcome. According to her, the event marked the start of a six-month journey that will provide participants with useful tools to expand their companies and promote international trade.

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Mr. Tunde Dawodu, Divisional Head for FCT & North at Ecobank, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to helping female businesses. “We want to provide funding, mentorship, and digital tools to help women succeed in competitive markets through our ELLEVATE Program and Single Market Trade Hub,” he said. Mr. Dawodu emphasized how networking platforms and preferential financing help participants grow their enterprises and improve their access to local markets.

Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), highlighted the Council’s efforts to increase capacity in export, packaging, and good agricultural practices.

documentation. Ayeni said, “We are dedicated to assisting women traders in creating long-lasting enterprises and breaking into new markets.”

This two-day session lays the groundwork for a six-month program in which participants will get ongoing financial assistance, training, and mentoring. The program is in line with ECOWAS’s Vision 2050 plan to advance sustainable development and equitable growth throughout the region. H.E. TOURE-LITSE said, “This launch is just the beginning, and we are committed to ensuring that these women entrepreneurs multiply their impact and unlock greater prosperity through mentorship, coaching, and access to credit.”

In order to provide participants with useful tools for effectively navigating cross-border trade, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), and the Nigeria Customs Service also shared their perspectives on financial facilitation and export procedures.