Ecobank promotes economic prosperity, to empower 52 businesses with ‘Design & Build Expo’

To promote Nigerian businesses  and advance economic prosperity, Ecobank is set to roll out its ‘Design & Build Expo 2024’  aimed at empowering no fewer than 52 businesses.

Besides, the banks also designed a Single Market Trade Hub which connects Nigerian businesses to others in the continent.

The initiative which will kickoff in Lagos on Wednesday, is designed to showcase the latest trends, innovations, and sustainable practices in architecture, construction, building materials, household appliances, engineering and interior design sectors.

According to the bank, the expo is positioned as a ‘go-to hub’ to empower businesses, provide financial solutions, promote economic growth, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in the real estate, design and construction sector.

The bank said attendees will discover cutting-edge designs and sustainable innovations that can inform their next real estate or construction project through the platform.

Also through the platform, participants will learn about bespoke mortgage plans, construction loans, and investment opportunities designed to bring their property ambitions to life with ease.

In addition, they will have the opportunity to connect with top developers, architects, and builders shaping the future of real estate and construction—opportunities that would come in handy for their future projects.

Head, SME, Partnerships and Collaboration of the bank, Omoboye Odu while fielding questions from Journalists at a press briefing held in Lagos said the objective of the initiative includes networking opportunities which would enable participants to connect between industry professionals, including architects, builders, suppliers, and clients.

She said the platform would offer education and training workshops, seminars, and presentations to educate attendees on best practices, new techniques, and industry standards, promoting sustainability by raising awareness about sustainable building practices and materials, encouraging eco-friendly designs and low-impact construction methods.

Others are encouraging collaboration through fostering partnerships between designers, contractors, and suppliers to streamline the design and construction process, providing insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies in the design and construction sectors, as well as inspiring creativity by encouraging innovative thinking and creative solutions in architecture, construction, engineering and interior design projects.

She pointed out that the expo is targeted at businesses who operate in the real estate development, kitchen fitout, accessories & equipment, tiling & flooring, interior design & decor, lighting & intelligent buildings, woodwork & joinery.

Odu also stated that businesses under the steelworks & balustrade cladding materials, landscaping, outdoor living & leisure, paints & coatings, sanitary fittings and fixtures,  electronics & home entertainment systems, roofing & ceilings are among the beneficiaries.

On the benefits of the programme, she said: “Businesses will gain unparalleled exposure to a targeted audience of decision makers, influencers, and potential clients. Showcase your products, services, and innovations to industry professionals actively seeking new solutions.

“Engage with peers and industry experts through interactive sessions, workshops, and live demonstrations, enhance your brand visibility and market presence within the design and construction community, as well as gain valuable market insights and explore emerging trends in the sector.”

Also speaking, the Head, Corporate Communications at Ecobank, Austin Osokpor said the bank’s unique pan-African platform is designed to help unlock the opportunities of the continent, for the continent, facilitating regional integration, trade, and investment across borders.

He added that the bank’s medium-term objective is to become the leading gateway for pan-African trade facilitation in the emergent Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) era, leveraging its positioning as a major payment bank in Nigeria.