With commitments totalling over 2,746 billion CFA francs, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development is a key player in infrastructure financing across West African countries. The Bank, chaired by George Agyekum Donkor, is stepping up its efforts to mobilise resources to finance development in its member states.
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), the financial arm of the West African economic community, was established to promote integrated and sustainable development across its 15 Member States. Since 2020, under renewed leadership, it has accelerated its transformation: doubling its balance sheet, improving its credit ratings, and adopting a more prudent and efficient strategy to finance priority projects in West Africa. It now operates through two main windows: the public sector and the private sector.
“ The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) operates through two windows, the public and private sectors. Its interventions are in the following areas: infrastructure development, including transport, energy, including green energy, and telecommunications. Another key sector is agriculture and rural development, as well as social sectors such as health and education, and industry.”
George Agyekum Donkor, President of EBID – Ghana
The EBID is on a very positive trajectory, marked by sharply increasing profits, a significantly larger balance sheet, and a substantial reduction in non-performing assets. These accomplishments, despite a challenging international climate, highlight the bank’s enhanced resilience and greater prudence in recent years. Specifically, in 2023, the bank saw a 12% rise in profits and a remarkable 121.42% increase in its balance sheet, putting it well on its way to achieving its 2025 goal.
“ In terms of non-performing assets, we have significantly reduced them from around 9% in 2020 to approximately 4.2%. Return on assets and return on equity have greatly enhanced our reputation.”
George Agyekum Donkor, President of EBID – Ghana
With cumulative commitments of around 1.8 billion euros at the time, EBID continues to accelerate its financing activities. The bank adopts a rigorous approach: strict selection of high-impact, bankable projects, strengthened risk management, and intensive resource mobilisation to support sustainable growth and regional integration in West Africa.
“ We have doubled the balance sheet. We decided to re-strategise in order to position ourselves effectively. We have been very prudent in selecting our projects, ensuring that they are not only impactful but also highly bankable. We have also improved risk management and intensified resource mobilisation.”
George Agyekum Donkor, President of EBID – Ghana
The West African region is benefiting from the EBID (Ecobank Bank for Investment and Development) establishing itself as a key driver of development. Through a strengthened strategy and accelerated financing, the bank is paving the way for a more integrated, resilient, and prosperous future for the region.
