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ECOWAS, ECOBANK Launch Programme to Empower Nigerian Women Traders To Boost AfCFTA Integration

ECOWAS, ECOBANK Launch Programme to Empower Nigerian Women Traders To Boost AfCFTA Integration

Princess-Ekwi Ajide

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS and Ecobank have introduced the ECOWAS-Ecobank Women Traders Empowerment Programme in a stride towards economic empowerment.

This pioneer initiative aimed at strengthening Nigerian women entrepreneurs and expanding their access to African markets was launched in Abuja to provide comprehensive support to women-led businesses, set them up for success in the rapidly growing African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The initiative, piloted in Nigeria, is designed to enhance the capacities of women entrepreneurs through a structured six-month programme that offers business training, financial access, and mentorship.

At the heart of this programme are tools like Ecobank’s ELLEVATE programme, which provides dedicated support for female entrepreneurs, and the Single Market Trade Hub, a platform guiding traders through cross-border opportunities under AfCFTA.

The ECOWAS-Ecobank partnership emphasises economic inclusion, aligning with regional goals to foster sustainable development.

By integrating public-private partnerships and collaborating with business associations, the initiative seeks to unlock the potential of women-led businesses, positioning them as key contributors to regional growth and market integration.

As the pilot gains traction, it promises not only to elevate the standing of Nigerian women in business but also to set a precedent for similar initiatives across West Africa, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more interconnected African economy.

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