Ecobank gets $353 million deal to boost African agriculture, women entrepreneurs

Ecobank Group, whose parent company Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) is based in Lomé, has secured a $353 million financing partnership with Proparco to expand agricultural lending and support women-led businesses across Africa, as the continent faces rising food insecurity and tightening access to credit.

The three-year agreement aims to mobilize up to €300 million ($352.5 million) to strengthen agricultural value chains, boost agro-processing, and increase funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The deal positions Ecobank as a key pan-African platform for agricultural finance while accelerating support for women entrepreneurs through its Ellevate program.

Ecobank, Proparco deepen agricultural financing partnership

The partnership builds on over a decade of collaboration, during which Proparco has committed more than $400 million to Ecobank through loans, guarantees, and capital market transactions.

Under the new agreement, financing will target agricultural production, agro-processing, commodity trade and SME lending across Africa. Agriculture contributes nearly 20% of Africa’s GDP and supports almost half of its workforce, yet remains significantly underfunded.

Up to $235 million targets agro-industrial expansion

A major component of the deal focuses on commodity trade finance and agro-industrial growth. Proparco will deploy partial risk guarantees and co-financing structures.

The partners aim to mobilize up to €200 million ($234.98 million) to improve liquidity across agricultural markets and strengthen supply chains.

SMEs to benefit from expanded credit access

The agreement also targets agricultural SMEs, which face persistent financing constraints.

Through Impact+ and ARIZ programs, Ecobank plans to scale lending across 33 African countries, with up to €100 million ($117.47 million) earmarked for SME financing.

Ecobank expands women entrepreneurship support

The partnership also strengthens Ecobank’s Ellevate program, supporting women-led businesses with financing, mentorship, and training.

With Proparco’s backing, 400 women entrepreneurs will receive training, and Programs will launch in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Kenya. The initiative has already supported over 84,000 women across Africa.

Why the deal matters for Africa

The partnership comes amid rising food inflation, supply chain disruptions and tightening credit markets. It reflects broader efforts to close Africa’s agricultural financing gap and boost private-sector growth.

The financing program will roll out over three years, focusing on increasing agricultural lending, supporting SMEs, and strengthening women entrepreneurship ecosystems.