By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
ECOBANK Group has partnered with Microsoft, LinkedIn and GitHub to provide digital skills training to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across the sub-Saharan Africa.
The training would provide SMEs with digital skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s digital world, according to a statement issued in Lusaka at the weekend.
Ecobank indicated that SMEs had been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic with its attendant lockdowns and disruptions to supply chains, plummeting sales, lost revenues and operational challenges.
In response to feedback from its customers, Ecobank through its commercial banking segment was helping business owners close the digital gap within their chosen fields and improve the online capabilities of their employees.
Ecobank Group executive, for commercial banking Josephine Anan-Ankomah said the Covid-19 pandemic had 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,” Ms Anan-Ankomah said.
SMEs have been invited to register for the upcoming webinar taking place on July 26 this week.
The Global Skilling initiative programme was available on an online portal where SMEs can register, and start their learning journey for any of the 10 in-demand skill sets.
They can enroll for customer services, digital marketing, financial analysis, graphic design, Information Technology (IT) support, project management and sales, among others.
They can complete the virtual programme at their own pace and at times that work best for them. The programme runs until December 31, 2021.
“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,” Microsoft regional general manager, Middle East and Africa- Multi market region Ibrahim Youssry said. Startups and SMEs play a critical role in innovation, economic growth and job creation, and expanded access to digital skills was one of the key steps needed to foster a successful economic recovery.”
