Alhagie Bai Ceesay, Head of Commercial Banking, delivered a detailed presentation on the Ecobank Smart Business Pack a bundled solution tailored for early-stage businesses. The pack offers a Business Account, access to OmniLite, Trade Hub, Ecobank Business Prepaid Cards, and advisory services to enhance resilience and growth-readiness for MSMEs.
In his keynote address, Ecobank Gambia Managing Director Mr. John Nyaaba reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering MSMEs through digital innovation, tailored financial products, and capacity-building initiatives. He announced the launch of the Ecobank Agribusiness and Food Desk, a specialised one-stop shop designed to serve stakeholders across the entire agrifood value chain from primary production to export.
Ecobank also marked a major milestone with the 10,000th registration on MyTradehub, The bank’s digital platform that connects African businesses to both local and international markets. Further demonstrating its innovation agenda, Mr. Nyaaba confirmed the rollout of the enhanced Ecobank Business App, a user-friendly banking solution replacing the former ‘My SME App,’ aimed at giving small businesses greater control, insight, and convenience in managing their finances.
The bank is also expanding digital lending through eMCA (electronic cash advance), providing quick and easy access to capital for micro and small businesses. In addition, it is preparing to launch the Enhanced Ellevate Programme in The Gambia, a gender-focused initiative aimed at supporting women-led enterprises with finance, capacity building, and networking opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, congratulated Ecobank for leading the way in recognising and investing in MSMEs.
“We urge all banks to follow suit in addressing the constraints that limit the growth of private sector businesses,” he said. “Financial institutions must develop inclusive financial products, promote financial literacy, expand digital and mobile services, and champion gender- and youth-responsive finance.”
Ndey Fatou Ceesay, founder of Nature’s Gift Care, representing the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), described the celebration as more than just recognition of business success it was a tribute to entrepreneurial resilience and innovation.
“SMEs are not just businesses; they are courage in action. They are the women mixing products at dawn, the youth launching tech ideas on borrowed data, and the farmers dreaming beyond the soil,” she said. “In The Gambia, over 90% of businesses fall into this category. Yet they remain underrepresented and under-resourced. I’m glad Ecobank is stepping up to change that narrative.”
Recognised globally by the United Nations, World MSME Day, observed every June 27, celebrates the essential role MSMEs play in job creation, economic growth, and innovation. Through bold action and strategic support, Ecobank Gambia has once again positioned itself as a leader in driving inclusive finance and sustainable development.
