The Ecowas Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has taken a historic step in strengthening its presence across West Africa with the inauguration of its first regional representative office in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The ceremony, led by Ghana’s Finance Minister and Chairman of the Board of Governors of EBID, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, marked what many stakeholders describe as a turning point in the bank’s mission to deepen engagement, improve project execution, and enhance development cooperation among member states.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Forson emphasized that the opening of the new office represents much more than institutional expansion. He described the initiative as the start of a fresh chapter that will redefine EBID’s reach and impact across the subregion.
“Today’s inauguration is not an end, but a beginning. It is the beginning of deeper engagement, faster implementation, and greater impact. It is the beginning of a stronger EBID closer to its Member States and better equipped to deliver on its mandate.”
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
With this move, EBID aims to reinforce its operational efficiency by situating closer to beneficiary countries. The Abidjan office will enable the bank to strengthen visibility, track projects more effectively, support investment delivery, and respond swiftly to developmental needs across West Africa.
Côte d’Ivoire Welcomes a Strategic Presence
The choice of Côte d’Ivoire as the home of EBID’s first regional office reflects the country’s growing role as an economic anchor within the region. Addressing the gathering, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister for Economic Planning and Development, Nialé Kaba, expressed strong support for the initiative. She highlighted that the office demonstrates the country’s commitment to advancing regional integration and inclusive economic progress.
According to her, bringing EBID closer to local realities will elevate the bank’s development footprint. “It is great to know the bank is boosting its capacity to understand the realities of each country on the ground so that it can increase the impact of its programmes,” she noted. Her remarks underscored the expectation that EBID’s presence will lead to more targeted interventions and stronger alignment with national development priorities.
For EBID, the Abidjan office signifies a strategic shift toward stronger collaboration with member states. President of EBID, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, highlighted that the office is not merely an administrative expansion but a transformational platform that will enhance the bank’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
“This is not merely an administrative office but a platform for deeper cooperation,” Dr. Donkor explained. He added that the new office will serve as a critical link that connects EBID’s resources, technical expertise, and financing solutions with the developmental needs of its member states. The goal, he stressed, is to ensure that every member country feels the bank’s presence through impactful and sustainable development interventions.
Dr. Donkor further assured that the bank remains committed to honoring the trust placed in its leadership. He reaffirmed EBID’s dedication to continuing collaborative efforts that promote economic resilience, infrastructure expansion, private sector growth, and sustainable development across the region.
A Stronger Future for Regional Development
The inauguration of EBID’s first regional office marks an important moment for the West African development finance landscape. With the office positioned in Abidjan, a city known for its economic dynamism and strategic connectivity, EBID is poised to accelerate its support for transformative regional projects.
By bringing operations closer to member states, the bank is expected to achieve faster turnaround times for project assessment, deepen its engagement with local stakeholders, and enhance its ability to monitor and evaluate the impact of ongoing initiatives. This proximity will also foster greater understanding of country-specific challenges, enabling EBID to tailor financing solutions that align with national development goals.
Furthermore, the new office is anticipated to boost investor confidence in West Africa. As EBID expands its visibility and operational strength, international partners may find greater assurance in collaborating with a development bank that demonstrates both strategic ambition and a strong commitment to proximity-based development financing.
With the support of Côte d’Ivoire and the leadership of EBID, the new office is expected to become a catalyst for stronger integration, more effective project delivery, and enhanced cooperation across the subregion.
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