Ecobank Group has committed US$2.6 billion in targeted lending to women-owned businesses and agriculture-focused enterprises across Africa by 2030, as the pan-African banking group expands its support for economic activity and regional trade.

The commitment, announced at the bank’s 40th anniversary media conference in Lomé, includes US$2 billion for women entrepreneurs and US$600 million for agriculture-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Awori said the initiatives form part of the bank’s strategy for supporting Africa’s next phase of economic development, with financing aimed at women-led businesses, food production and agricultural value chains.

Under its Elevate by Ecobank programme, the bank plans to build a US$2 billion loan portfolio for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Ecobank said it has already supported more than 110,000 women-led enterprises and intends to expand its registered client base to 400,000 formal businesses.

The bank also aims to create financing pathways for up to one million female micro-entrepreneurs through digital onboarding and financial inclusion initiatives.

Financing the Agricultural Value Chain

Ecobank’s agricultural target includes US$600 million in outstanding loans to agriculture-focused SMEs by 2030.

Rather than concentrating solely on seasonal agricultural production, the financing strategy will cover the wider farm-to-fork value chain, including farmers, aggregators, processors, logistics companies, traders and exporters.

The bank said its agricultural financing will support climate-smart farming, digital payment systems for rural supply chains and structured trade finance.

The approach reflects the growing need for investment beyond the farm gate, particularly in storage, processing, transportation and market access, which can determine how much value farmers and agribusinesses capture from agricultural production.

Women-led businesses operating in agribusiness, healthcare and education will also be eligible for financing under Ecobank’s expanded programme. The bank said some facilities will be unsecured or partially secured, with development finance institutions supporting guarantee arrangements.

Expanding Cross-Border Trade

Digital infrastructure is another component of the strategy.

Ecobank’s Single Market Trade Hub connects more than 60,000 businesses across Africa, while the bank’s pan-African payment network provides multi-currency transaction capabilities.

The bank said these systems can help women-led agribusinesses and other SMEs connect with buyers and suppliers across borders while supporting participation in opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Ecobank said implementation of its commitments will focus on expanding credit and risk-sharing mechanisms, strengthening cross-border trade, digitalising agricultural value chains and providing capacity-building support.

For African agriculture, the financing commitment places greater emphasis on connecting production with processing, logistics, trade and markets, while also targeting businesses that have traditionally faced difficulties accessing formal finance.