Set up by the leading Pan-African bank Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, the Ecobank Foundation is an Africa-focused organisation on a mission: we want to improve the quality of life for people across the continent. We do this by deploying Ecobank’s resources, knowledge and expertise with the aim of unlocking opportunities for African communities in which the bank operates.

The Ecobank Foundation focuses on three key areas:

Elisa Desbordes

Chief Operating Officer of the Ecobank Foundation

Throughout her 15-year career in development, she has worked for many Pan-African and international development institutions, including the African Development Bank Group, UNITLIFE (a United Nations Capital Development Fund initiative), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the African Media Initiative, and The ONE Campaign.

Emmanuel Ikazoboh

Chairman of the Ecobank Foundation

Emmanuel Ikazoboh was Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated from 2014 to 2020 and has over 30 years’ experience in senior management roles. These included being Chairman and CEO of Deloitte West and Central Africa; Interim Administrator of the Nigerian Stock Exchange; and Chairman of Nigeria’s Central Securities Clearing System. He is a keen sustainability champion.

Elisa Desbordes

Chief Operating Officer of the Ecobank Foundation

Throughout her 15-year career in development, she has worked for many Pan-African and international development institutions, including the African Development Bank Group, UNITLIFE (a United Nations Capital Development Fund initiative), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the African Media Initiative, and The ONE Campaign.

Josephine Ankomah

Board Member of the Ecobank Foundation

Having joined Ecobank Ghana in 1992 as Treasury Officer, Josephine has over 25 years of experience at the bank. She has held various senior positions, including Regional Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer at regional level. She was also Head of Corporate Strategy & Business Development and Deputy Head Investment Banking Group at Ecobank Ghana.

Nana Araba Abban

Board Member of the Ecobank Foundation

Nana is Group Executive of Ecobank Consumer Banking, and is also a Group Executive Committee member. She has held other senior roles at Ecobank and at Standard Chartered Bank.

Paul-Harry Aithnard

Board Member of the Ecobank Foundation

Paul-Harry Aithnard is Regional Executive, UEMOA and Managing Director of Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire. His previous Ecobank roles include Group Head, Securities, Wealth and Asset Management and Group Head Research.

Vanessa Moungar

Board Member of the Ecobank Foundation

Vanessa Moungar has had several high-profile development and equality roles in her career. She is currently Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at luxury goods company LVMH and her previous roles include being Director for Gender, Women and Civil Society at African Development Bank Group.