By 
In the heart of Zambia’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape, a huge revolution is taking root and women are leading the charge.
At the forefront stands Ellevate 2.0 by Ecobank, a transformative initiative, not just crafted for women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) but inspired by them. This is not merely a financial product.
It is a powerful reaffirmation of belief in the resilience, ambition, and limitless potential of women entrepreneurs who are building businesses that uplift entire communities.
From bustling markets in Lusaka to Tech startups on the rise, Ellevate 2.0 is amplifying voices that have long gone unheard.
And in doing so, it is rewriting the story of what success looks like, one bold businesswoman at a time.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of Zambia’s economy driving innovation, creating jobs, and nurturing resilient communities.
Yet, for many women at the helm of these enterprises, the journey to success is often strewn with barriers: limited access to capital, lack of mentorship, and exclusion from key markets.
For far too long, traditional banking models have fallen short of meeting the unique realities of these businesswomen, especially those navigating the critical early-growth phase.
Ellevate 2.0 by Ecobank is rewriting that script with targeted financial and non-financial solutions tailored to the specific needs of female entrepreneurs championing not just business growth, but sustainable, inclusive prosperity.
Building on the remarkable achievements of its earlier iteration, which empowered more than 883 businesses, unlocked over US$3 million in financing, and attracted US$5.6 million in deposits, Ellevate 2.0 is raising the bar with a bold new blueprint.
With unsecured loans of up to US$50,000, reduced collateral demands, and preferential interest rates, the initiative is dismantling the financial barriers that have long hindered women-led SMEs.
By lowering the eligibility threshold to businesses with just two years of operations, Ellevate 2.0 is actively welcoming the next generation of ambitious entrepreneurs into the fold.
But its true distinction lies in a holistic ecosystem designed to nurture success beyond the balance sheet.
Women entrepreneurs now have access to practical training, mentorship, and expert-led webinars that sharpen their business acumen and fortify their resilience.
Add to that the power of MyTradeHub, a digital platform connecting businesses to pan-African markets, and what emerges is not just a proposition, but a thriving pipeline for regional expansion, innovation, and shared prosperity.
At a time when traditional banking often ends at the lending counter, Ellevate 2.0 by Ecobank dares to look further.
This isn’t just a financial proposition, it’s a full-spectrum support system where entrepreneurs not only access capital but also secure their futures.
By bringing wealth management and insurance solutions under one roof, Ellevate 2.0 ensures women-led businesses are protected as they grow, thrive, and lead.
What truly sets this initiative apart is its philosophy: banking as partnership.
In place of rigid structures and impersonal services, Ellevate 2.0 offers a relationship-driven approach anchored in trust, understanding, and long-term empowerment.
For Ecobank, this isn’t about checking boxes it is about backing ideas, investing in futures, and helping build the backbone of Zambia’s economy.
By intentionally designing a platform that centers women, Ellevate 2.0 recognizes something powerful: that inclusion isn’t just an ethical choice, it is a strategic one.
When women-led SMEs are given room to flourish, the ripple effects extend far beyond boardrooms.
Families are uplifted, communities strengthened, and the broader economy enriched.
In a country where entrepreneurship is fast becoming the heartbeat of empowerment, especially for women, Ellevate 2.0 stands tall as both an innovation and proposition.
With tailored capital, mentorship, market access, and holistic care, Ecobank Zambia is turning ambition into action and transforming Zambia’s economic story one fearless businesswoman at a time.
In conclusion, in the bold spirit of possibility, Ellevate 2.0 by Ecobank is not simply building better businesses, it is building a future powered by women.
It’s a call to action for every aspiring entrepreneur, every policy shaper, and every community leader to rally behind the untapped force at the center of Zambia’s growth story.
To every woman with a dream and the courage to chase it your moment is now. Step into a community that sees your value, fuels your ambition, and celebrates your rise. Join the Ellevate Women and transform your vision into unstoppable momentum.
Ellevate. Empower. Excel. The future is female—and it’s already in motion.
For details please contact: Ecobank Head Marketing & Brand Communications
Glenda Masebe-Kamalata;0968458080
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