Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

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Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) is a leading pan-African banking group headquartered in Lomé, Togo. Founded in 1985 under a private sector initiative supported by ECOWAS, it operates as the parent company of the Ecobank Group, one of Africa’s most geographically diversified financial institutions. ETI plays a key role in driving financial integration and economic development across the continent. 

Key facts

• Founded: 1985, Lomé, Togo
• Listed on: Nigerian, Ghana, and BRVM stock exchanges
• Employees: ~15,000 (2024)
• Presence: 35 African countries + offices in France, UK, UAE, China
• 2024 Net profit: US $333 million; Assets: US $28 billion 

Origins and Growth

Established to create an African-owned commercial bank in a region then dominated by foreign institutions, ETI began operations in 1988 with its first subsidiary in Togo. It has since expanded across all major sub-Saharan markets and developed representative offices in global financial centers including London, Dubai, and Beijing. Its founding capital was raised from more than 1,500 African investors, with the ECOWAS Fund as a major shareholder. 

Business Segments and Services

ETI operates through three core divisions: Consumer and Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and a dedicated Payments Business. Services include retail and SME banking, trade finance, digital payments, and wealth management. Partnerships with institutions such as American Express, Afreximbank, and fintech firms strengthen its cross-border transaction capabilities. 

Sustainability and Development Focus

Ecobank has advanced sustainability through initiatives such as its 2023 US $200 million sustainability-linked loan led by Proparco, the first of its kind for a sub-Saharan African bank. The group supports small and medium enterprises via programs like Ellevate by Ecobank for women-led businesses and aligns with the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative Principles for Responsible Banking. 

Recent Developments

In 2024, Ecobank partnered with the International Finance Corporation to deliver a US $140 million trade finance facility across seven African countries, supporting SMEs and regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. 

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated remains central to Africa’s financial integration, combining extensive regional reach with digital innovation and a commitment to sustainable growth.