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Women are not mere statistics or case studies but architects of prosperity, Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Permanent Secretary, Subeta Mutelo, has said, as she challenged women entrepreneurs to rise, innovate, and contribute more productively to the economy.
Speaking during the launch of the Ellevate 2.0 Programme by Ecobank Zambia in Lusaka on Friday, Mutelo said empowering women-led businesses directly contributes to national economic growth.
“Hosting a woman’s business increases the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and boosts productivity among women,” she said.
Mutelo urged women to embrace opportunities presented by initiatives such as Ellevate 2.0, which is designed to enhance financial solutions for women-led businesses.
“You are not statistics or case studies. You are architects of prosperity. We, as women, are meant to make the much-needed impact,” she emphasised.
She added that the Ellevate 2.0 platform would give women entrepreneurs greater access to coaching, advisory services, financial literacy programmes, and financing opportunities.
“More importantly, it encourages younger women to venture into enterprise development and become fearless about their destinies,” she said, adding, “I am aware that Ellevate 2.0 is being implemented in 33 countries, and its launch in Zambia is highly commendable.”
Mutelo further outlined the Ministry’s efforts to dismantle systemic and social barriers that have historically constrained women-owned enterprises.
“Our digital transformation programme aims to bring every enterprise, including those in rural areas, into the digital space.
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Through policy reforms, we are reshaping the financial landscape to ensure that access to capital, market linkages, and insurance products reflect the realities of women in business rather than rigid, outdated expectations,” she said.
She noted that the Ministry remained committed to promoting resilience, skills development, and business linkages for women entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, Ecobank Zambia Managing Director Aina Moore hailed the impact of the Ellevate programme, which supported over 883 businesses, extended more than US$3 million in financing, and mobilised US$5.6 million in deposits.
Moore described Ellevate 2.0 as not merely an upgrade, but a transformational platform.
“We are proud to unveil a more inclusive, more empowering Ellevate platform — offering unsecured loans of up to US$50,000, favourable interest rates, and relaxed collateral requirements to support early-stage growth. Additionally, the programme now supports businesses with a two-year track record, compared to the industry standard of three,” she said.
Moore added that the initiative also offered tailored wealth management services and comprehensive insurance solutions under one platform.
The Ellevate 2.0 initiative is part of Ecobank’s ongoing commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa.
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