For the second consecutive year, Ecobank, the prominent pan-African Banking Group, has earned the prestigious title of “Africa’s Best Bank for SMEs” at the renowned Euromoney Awards for Excellence. This achievement follows their previous win in 2022.
Jeremy Awori, the Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Group, expressed his delight, stating that the award is a testament to Ecobank’s unwavering dedication to supporting African SMEs. The bank has continuously introduced innovative financial and non-financial solutions to foster their growth and prosperity.
Ecobank aspires to be the preferred banking partner for SMEs across Africa, recognizing their vital role as drivers of economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication on the continent.
Over the last 12 months, Ecobank has launched significant initiatives for the benefit of SMEs. One notable endeavor is the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub, designed to support the single African market under the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) initiative.
Serving as a comprehensive one-stop-shop, the Trade Hub offers valuable information about AfCFTA, access to Ecobank’s wide array of trade facilitation products and solutions (including trade finance, advisory services, payments, and collections), and a marketplace where businesses can showcase their products and services across Africa. This initiative aims to enhance trade and economic integration throughout the continent.
“RapidCollect, which enables Ecobank’s business customers to receive payments from their clients in their home country and across Ecobank’s network of 33 affiliates, instantly and at a lower cost than any other cross-border solution.
“The partnership with Mastercard Farm Pass through which we have digitised the agricultural value chain for smallholder farmers, simplifying and better securing the process for obtaining a fair price for produce.
“Ellevate Equip Leadership Programme for our women led or focused business customers. Modules include emotional intelligence; leading with authenticity; defining strategic leadership; mastering influence, decision-making; and negotiating for results.
“The Financial Literacy Series equipping SME Managers and owners with necessary financial education. The first in the series was ‘Preparing SMEs for the Capital Markets’ and it attracted nearly 3,500 registered participants”.
The judges’ decision to name Ecobank as Africa’s Best Bank for SMEs was rooted in Ecobank’s enduring and resolute dedication to meeting the unique requirements of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).