Ecobank Burkina Faso advocates for comprehensive support beyond financing for women's financial inclusion

Noellie Tiendrebeogo, Managing Director of Ecobank Burkina Faso, participated in a World Bank panel on June 30, discussing women's economic participation. The discussion highlighted that less than one in five women in Burkina Faso holds a financial account, and many female entrepreneurs, even in urban areas, face obstacles in accessing financing and developing their businesses. With real GDP growth estimated at 5.3% in 2025, up from 4.8% in 2024, the goal is to ensure this economic momentum benefits women, youth, and other under-integrated actors in formal circuits.

Tiendrebeogo emphasized that financial inclusion for women extends beyond opening accounts or providing occasional credit. It requires understanding the realities of female entrepreneurs, many of whom have viable businesses but are hindered by a lack of traditional guarantees, insufficient formalization, or limited access to financial information. She stated that the main barrier is not solely access to financing, but also trust, business structuring, financial education, and the ability to offer solutions tailored to women entrepreneurs' needs.

The panel concluded that access to the formal financial system depends on institutions offering solutions that align with women's actual experiences. For entrepreneurs, the challenge is not just obt