Ecobank Ghana and Mantrac Ghana have signed a strategic partnership to provide flexible equipment financing solutions that will enable businesses in mining, construction, agriculture and manufacturing to acquire Caterpillar equipment and expand their operations. The initiative is expected to improve access to heavy machinery, preserve working capital and strengthen the capacity of Ghanaian-owned businesses to execute major contracts.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Regional Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Ecobank Ghana, Henry Ampong, said the partnership combines Ecobank's financial strength with Mantrac's expertise to support local businesses and advance Ghana's local content agenda.

"The primary driver of this partnership is how we can leverage Mantrac's expertise together with our financial capacity to support Ghanaian businessmen and women to execute contracts."

Mr. Ampong said many businesses in construction, mining, agriculture and infrastructure development struggle to acquire equipment because of its high cost, limiting their ability to compete for large projects.

"Local content is not just a statement, it must be backed by capacity. One of those capacities is the ability to access equipment, which comes at a significant cost."

He explained that the programme will identify qualified Ghanaian-owned companies that have secured contracts and provide financing solutions to help them acquire the equipment required to execute those projects.

"We create job opportunities. The contract process stays in-country instead of allowing foreign-owned companies to always win some of these major contracts."

Managing Director of Mantrac Ghana, Pierre L. Hill, described the collaboration as an important step towards driving investment and economic growth.

"The collaboration for us is quite meaningful because our objective is to grow the economy of Ghana and further enhance our footprint within the country."

He added that Ecobank's long-standing relationship with Mantrac made it the ideal financial partner to deliver the programme.

The partnership is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses, increase indigenous participation in infrastructure projects and support Ghana's broader industrialisation agenda.