Ecobank Zambia targets to train 200 SMEs in digital marketing
By Glenda Kamalata
SMALL and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across sub-Saharan Africa have been negatively affected by the Coronavirus pandemic as incomes have shrunk owing to significantly reduced human interaction.
SMEs have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with its attendant lockdowns and disruptions to supply chains, plummeting sales, lost revenue and operational challenges.
Equipping SMEs with digital marketing skills is essential to cope with the growing trend of conducting and transacting business in an ever-changing global economy.
In response to feedback from our customers, Ecobank, through its Commercial Banking Segment, is helping business owners close the digital skills gap within their chosen fields and improve the digital capabilities of their employees.
In partnership with Microsoft, LinkedIn, GitHub and Ecobank Academy, we have commenced digital marketing training to equip SMEs across sub-Saharan Africa from July 26. This training will provide SMEs digital skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s digital world, and Zambia is also set to be among the beneficiary countries.
According to Josephine Anan-Ankomah, Group Executive, Commercial Banking for the Ecobank Group:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has turbocharged the shift towards digital. It is essential that businesses adapt so that they are able to compete effectively in today’s rapidly changing landscape. Ecobank’s Commercial Banking is committed to supporting SMEs across our pan-African footprint. Through this partnership with Microsoft, LinkedIn, GitHub and Ecobank Academy, we are offering training to equip business owners and their employees with the digital skills that they need to stay connected to their customers. We are intent on ensuring that our SME customers remain relevant, grow and succeed in the post COVID-19 era.”
SMEs were invited to register for the webinar, which took place on July 26. Through the Global Skilling initiative programme available on an online portal, SMEs can register and start their learning journey for any of the 10 in-demand skill sets including: Customer Services; Digital Marketing; Financial Analysis; Graphic Design; IT Support/Help Desk; Project Management; Sales; Data Analysis; IT Administration and Software Development. They were invited to complete the virtual programme at their own pace and at times that work best for them.
The programme runs until December 31, 2021.
And as Ecobank Zambia Limited, we are aiming to train 200 SMEs, but the overall target is 3,000 for the 33 Ecobank affiliates.
The Global Skilling Initiative is just another example of how Ecobank wants to help SMEs reach their full potential and play a vital role in driving Africa’s economic resurgence. Other support initiatives for SMEs include:
The Ecobank Marketplace eCommerce solution for businesses to grow their sales on digital marketplaces, and:
The “Ellevate” programme to provide women-led/owned/focused businesses with loans, cash management solutions, training and mentoring opportunities.
About the author:
Glenda is the Head of Marketing, Communications & Media at Ecobank Zambia Limited.
She has vast experience in the field of communications and public relations in the private and public sectors of Zambia’s economy.
Email: gkamalata@ecobank.com
Tel: +260761427315
