GCB Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women entrepreneurs in the ECOWAS region, using a high-level panel at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algiers to outline new initiatives. The session was jointly organised by ECOWAS and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking on the panel, Abdulsalam Alhassan, Head of Wholesale and Investment Banking at GCB Bank, highlighted both the barriers women-led businesses continue to face and the Bank’s targeted measures to address them.
He said women entrepreneurs are central to Africa’s economic growth and transformation, yet often struggle with limited access to affordable finance and the tools needed to build sustainable businesses.
Among the interventions, Mr Alhassan announced the creation of dedicated units within the Bank to provide financing and advisory services specifically for women-led businesses. He also pointed to GCB’s partnerships with development finance institutions (DFIs), designed to secure cheaper funding sources and reduce risks associated with lending to women-owned enterprises and small businesses.
A further initiative includes an incubator programme for women-led SMEs, which aims to strengthen organisational capacity and improve competitiveness. “African solutions for African challenges” was a key message from Mr Alhassan, who stressed the importance of home-grown approaches and collaboration across the region. He called on stakeholders to share experiences to help build an inclusive and resilient economic landscape.
According to the Bank, these efforts reflect its long-standing focus on financial inclusion, enterprise growth and national development. By supporting women-led enterprises, GCB aims to unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation and long-term growth in Ghana and beyond.
GCB Bank is one of Ghana’s leading financial institutions, with 184 branches, 340 ATMs and a growing range of digital banking solutions. The Bank maintains close ties with communities nationwide, providing both financial services and social support.
Founded in 1953, GCB has built its reputation on serving individuals, SMEs, corporates and institutions. Its relationships with clients and partners are guided by principles of trust and collaboration, anchored in its brand promise: “Your Bank for Life.”
