By Adedapo Adesanya
Ecobank has partnered with Microsoft, LinkedIn, GitHub and Ecobank Academy to provide training to equip Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across sub-Saharan Africa.
This training will provide SMEs with digital skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s digital world. They will be trained on – Customer Services; Digital Marketing; Financial Analysis; Graphic Design; IT Support/Help Desk; Project Management; Sales; Data Analysis; IT Administration; and Software Development.
According to the organisers, 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.
As feedback from 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.
Speaking on this, Mrs Josephine Anan-Ankomah, Group Executive, Commercial Banking for the Ecobank Group said: “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.”
On its part, Mr Ibrahim Youssry, Regional General Manager, Middle East and Africa – Multi market region at Microsoft said, “we are committed to building digital talent pipelines to support the workforce of the future, and our Global Skilling Initiative is an important part of this process.
“But beyond the future workforce, digital talent will also support more local innovation, as developers and entrepreneurs are empowered to create locally relevant solutions that best address the challenges and needs of African countries.
“Startups and SMEs play a critical role in innovation, economic growth and job creation, and expanded access to digital skills is one of the key steps needed to foster a successful economic recovery.”
SMEs have been invited to register here (https://bit.ly/3iEspdc) for the upcoming webinar taking place on July 26.
