Ecobank deepens support for agriculture with dedicated expertise and training – Charlotte Amanquah

Ecobank is bolstering its commitment to the agricultural sector through various resources, specialized knowledge, staff training, and technical assistance. These measures are designed to enhance access to finance and mitigate risks within the industry. During the Ecobank-Joybusiness financial dialogue series, held on September 22, Regional Head of Consumer and Commercial Banking for Anglophone West Africa, Charlotte Amanquah, emphasized that agriculture is a key strategic priority for the bank, with substantial resources dedicated to building expertise to support businesses across the sector.

The dialogue, themed “Green Finance, Real Impact: Powering Inclusive Agri-Growth in Ghana,” convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including agricultural SMEs, entrepreneurs, regulators, media, and other interested parties, to explore how green finance can foster inclusive growth in Ghana’s agricultural landscape. Amanquah stated that the bank’s strategy is unequivocally centered on agriculture, with concrete actions aligned to this focus.

She elaborated that Ecobank’s strategy begins with recruiting individuals who possess both agricultural and banking expertise, recognizing the importance of internal resources with the right knowledge base. The bank also emphasizes continuous training for its staff, particularly those involved in customer interactions and risk assessment, given the prevalent concerns about risks associated with agricultural lending.

Amanquah highlighted that Ecobank’s senior management is equally committed to the agricultural strategy, ensuring a cohesive approach across all levels of the institution.

In addition to financial support, Ecobank aims to empower its customers through technical assistance and other forms of capacity building. The bank’s engagement with customers extends beyond mere provision of financing, as it strives to equip businesses with essential knowledge and operational skills. Amanquah also underscored the advantage of Ecobank’s extensive network of clients across various markets, which facilitates the sharing of sector-specific insights and lessons learned, while maintaining confidentiality.

Moreover, a significant portion of Ecobank’s technical assistance programs is financed through partnerships with development institutions, which offer guarantees, concessional funding, and grants to bolster the capacity of both the bank and its clients. Amanquah described Ecobank’s comprehensive approach as a “full holistic” model, integrating financial resources, technical assistance, staff expertise, and customer capacity development.