Ecobank and the Global Fund announced a partnership that includes innovative financing, advocacy and cash contributions worth a total of US$3 million over the next three years. Ecobank and the Ecobank Foundation “will partner with the Global Fund in innovative regional and country specific financing programs that will aim to strengthen the financial management capabilities of grant recipients. Ecobank will also contribute training in financial management skills, accounting and reporting expected to facilitate improved grant applications, as well as the implementation and evaluation processes.” Ecobank is described as a leading pan-African financial institution that operates in 35 countries in Africa and embraces a mission of contributing to the economic and financial development of Africa. Ecobank will provide advocacy for the Global Fund, and call on the innovative capabilities of its partners and over 18,000 employees. Ecobank will contribute US$1.5 million in cash, and half will be earmarked for strengthening the financial management capabilities of implementing partners. Additional contributions will include in-kind services, training and fundraising.

http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/mediacenter/newsreleases/2013-12-19_Ecobank_and_the_Global_Fund_Launch_Partnership/