Market Update: Ecobank calls for collaboration to build youth-driven economy – Full Analysis

By Buertey Francis BORYOR & Kingsley Webora TANKEH

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ecobank Ghana Plc, Abena Osei-Poku, has called for collaboration to build a youth-led economy.

Speaking at the Youth Economic Forum (YEF) maiden edition, she stressed that the bank will continue to innovate and strengthen partnerships in ensuring financial inclusion for young people moves beyond rhetoric and becomes a practical reality.

In a speech read on her behalf by Director-Consumer Banking at the Bank, Tara Squire, she said youth development is not merely an agenda item for Ecobank but a core strategic focus – noting that the bank has dedicated personnel whose primary responsibility is to manage youth well-being and enterprise growth.

“The youth, it’s not just an agenda that we take up in Ecobank. We actually have people whose main responsibility is to manage youth well-being and that journey from potential to prosperity,” she stated.

She described the Youth Economic Forum as central to rebuilding the country’s economic foundations, emphasising that practical solutions and structured opportunities –  not dialogue alone – will enable young people to thrive.

The forum brought together young entrepreneurs, business leaders and policy actors to discuss practical pathways for empowering the youth to drive the country’s emerging economy. The forum was held under the theme ‘From Potential to Prosperity: Youth Driving the New Economy’.

She further noted reasons businesses fail are not necessarily lack of access to finance, but lack of structure.

She therefore indicated the bank is putting systems and digital tools in place to help young entrepreneurs manage finances responsibly and scale sustainably.

She said the bank will continue collaborating with partners, including B&FT and the Moreshet Foundation, to build a strong ecosystem that supports youth-led enterprises and economic participation.

“We will continue innovating to support you. And we’ll partner with the likes of B&FT and other partners here to ensure that financial inclusion is not just a buzzword but a reality,” she said.

She added that these digital capabilities position young entrepreneurs to operate efficiently within the evolving African trade landscape.

“We will tool you to enable you manage your finances responsibly, build sustainable businesses and make informed economic decisions,” she assured participants.

She also hinted at the imminent launch of a youth-specific initiative by Ecobank, which will span sectors including agribusiness, technology, education and health.

“Very soon, we are about to launch a youth-specific initiative from Ecobank. When you hear about it, please write to us. It will blow your mind,” she said.

She emphasised that collaboration among stakeholders is essential, noting no single institution can address youth economic challenges alone.

“We don’t believe that every bank has what it takes to do it alone. All the partners around this forum are keen to ensure we build an ecosystem that will support you through your journey,” she said.

Calling on young people to be bold, she urged them to actively contribute ideas and perspectives that shape national development.

“This is the point in your life where you shouldn’t fear to share your thoughts. Nothing you say is bad at this point. Be bold,” she encouraged.

She concluded with a call for decisive action. “Let’s not let this forum be about conversations. Let’s make sure it’s a commitment toward proper collaboration, bold thinking and decisive action. Together, let’s build an inclusive economy driven by empowered and bold young people.”

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