Ecobank Nigeria officially unveiled its enhanced Ellevate 2.0 proposition in a move to solidify the role of female entrepreneurs as the backbone of the national economy. The bank reaffirmed that women are no longer just participants in the market but are the primary catalysts for Nigeria’s industrial and economic evolution.
The launch, themed ‘Her Voice. Her Power. Her Growth’, gathered top-tier female professionals and business owners to witness the transition of the Ellevate programme into a comprehensive, bank-wide offering designed to bridge the financing gap for women-led small and medium-sized enterprises.
Speaking at the event in Lagos, the Founder of Gatimo Limited and Creative Director of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Adenike Ogunlesi, delivered a stirring keynote on the necessity of banks betting on female visionaries. “When I was seeking a loan facility many years ago to grow my business, Ecobank was the institution that supported me when others turned me down,” Ms Ogunlesi revealed. She emphasised that the true power of a woman in business is “rooted in identity, resilience, and purpose.”
The updated Ellevate 2.0 platform is not merely a branding exercise; it introduces functional tools, including improved credit access, integrated digital payment systems, and the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub, which connects Nigerian female entrepreneurs to the broader African Continental Free Trade Area.
Ayo Osolake, Head of Premier Banking and Wealth Management, representing the Managing Director, underscored the bank’s data-driven belief in female leadership. “Ellevate by Ecobank reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, who remain key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and job creation,” Osolake stated during the welcome address.
The event featured a high-level panel including Bode Abifarin (Strata Advisory), Titilayo Adesoga (Village Farms Commerce and Exchange), and Subuola Oyeleye (Beauty Hut Africa). The discussion centred on the courage required to scale businesses in a volatile global climate.
Victoria Igun, Ellevate Manager at Ecobank Nigeria, noted that the initiative is a strategic response to the structural barriers women face in business. “This enhanced proposition creates stronger pathways for women entrepreneurs and professionals to build sustainable businesses and translate ambition into lasting impact,” Ms Igun added.
Through ongoing platforms like Adire Lagos and the SME Bazaar, Ecobank continues to provide the visibility and market access necessary for women to move from local production to global competitiveness.
