Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire Finances 10,000 Women through IFC

Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire, part of the leading pan-African financial services group, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Finance Corporation to roll out the 10,000 Women initiative to enable Ecobank Cote d’Ivoire’s women small and medium-sized enterprises (WSME) clients to build their capacity, transform and grow their businesses.

Speaking about the intended impact of this partnership,Speaking about the intended impact of MoU, Paul-Harry Aithnard, Regional Executive UEMOA and Managing Director, Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire,, said:

“The ‘10,000 Women’ programme is much more than just an educational initiative – it is a lever for propelling female-owned or led SMEs and strengthening their capacities to succeed.

“To transform women entrepreneurs into strong Business Managers, partnerships are critical.

I welcome this partnership with IFC, which will support our Ellevate customers to build impactful businesses through the Goldman Sachs ’10, 000 women’ initiative.

This initiative complements our Ellevate programme, which provides Ivorian women-owned and women-focused businesses with full-service cash management, banking facilities, tailored solutions, and a range of business skills, leadership and growth initiatives.”

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative is a free-to-access online business education programme available to women across around world.

Its practical interactive activities cover all aspects of business, from leadership to negotiations, marketing and sales.

Participants can take any of the 10 courses available, or any combination of courses, to get what they need for their businesses to survive, adapt and thrive.

They can also access practical advice from business experts on how to carve out their niche, implement a pivot strategy, manage cash flow, reach new customers, and be an effective leader.