EBID Expands Footprint with First Country Office in Côte d’Ivoire

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has taken a significant step in deepening its regional presence and strengthening its impact across West Africa. The institution recently signed an agreement with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire to open its first country office, marking a strategic milestone in its expansion agenda.

The landmark agreement was sealed in Abidjan at a high-level ceremony attended by senior officials from both parties. Representing the Government of Côte d’Ivoire was Honourable Leon Kacou Adom, Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Living Abroad, while EBID was represented by its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr George Agyekum Donkor. Honourable Nialé Kaba, Minister for Economy, Planning and Development and Governor of EBID for Côte d’Ivoire, also graced the event, underlining the national significance of the partnership.

A strategic step towards regional integration

The opening of the Abidjan office signals EBID’s commitment to growing its operational presence within the ECOWAS sub-region. It is also aligned with the Bank’s broader strategic plan aimed at boosting socio-economic development through infrastructure and private sector investment. According to Dr Donkor, the new office will bring the Bank closer to both its existing and prospective clients, improving access to its services and enabling it to respond more efficiently to local and regional needs.

“This country office will play a crucial role in the implementation of our strategic plan,” said Dr Donkor. “It will make EBID more accessible to existing clients and potential partners in Côte d’Ivoire and the surrounding Member States, while facilitating impactful interventions.” He stressed that physical proximity is crucial to identifying opportunities and challenges on the ground and responding with greater agility.

Dr Donkor also used the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Ivorian Government, describing the country as a “key partner” of the Bank. He paid special tribute to Minister Nialé Kaba for her consistent support in realising this initiative and helping advance the Bank’s strategic goals.

Côte d’Ivoire’s economic ascent recognised

Côte d’Ivoire has long been recognised as one of the region’s most dynamic economies. Over the past decade, the country has achieved strong macroeconomic growth, underpinned by structural reforms, public investment, and private sector development. Dr Donkor acknowledged these achievements, highlighting that Côte d’Ivoire is now considered the best-performing economy in the West African sub-region, holding a BB rating with a stable outlook from S&P Global Ratings, and a Ba2, stable outlook from Moody’s.

This economic resilience makes the country a natural choice for EBID’s first country office. Its central location, relative political stability, and growing role as a financial and logistics hub in Francophone West Africa further elevate its importance in the Bank’s regional vision.

A boost for local and regional engagement

By establishing a formal presence in Côte d’Ivoire, EBID aims to play a more hands-on role in shaping and financing development projects. The office will serve as a gateway for improved engagement with national stakeholders, particularly in the private sector, which is increasingly seen as the engine of sustainable economic growth.

Honourable Leon Kacou Adom, Minister for Foreign Affairs, welcomed EBID’s decision to set up operations in the country, noting that the presence of the Bank would enable it to be more responsive to the needs of local economic actors. He expressed confidence that the office would further catalyse development across critical sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.

“The establishment of this country office reflects EBID’s desire to bring its services closer to the people it seeks to serve,” he said. “It will enhance the Bank’s relevance and effectiveness, especially in addressing the specific needs of private sector operators who are vital to economic transformation.”

Regional reach beyond borders

The new EBID office in Abidjan will not only serve Côte d’Ivoire but also act as a regional hub with a catchment area that includes Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, and Senegal. This broader mandate positions the office as a key instrument in EBID’s effort to harmonise its development financing approach across multiple Member States.

Minister Nialé Kaba praised the Bank for what she described as a “bold and strategic” initiative. She highlighted the fact that Côte d’Ivoire would be the first ECOWAS Member State to host a representative office of EBID, signalling a strong level of mutual trust and cooperation between the two institutions.

She also emphasised that the partnership was a concrete expression of shared commitment to overcoming infrastructure deficits across the region. “This agreement is more than symbolic—it is a testament to our joint resolve to improve the quality of life for West African citizens,” she said. “The new office will help drive initiatives that support industrialisation, connectivity, and economic inclusion.”

Track record of engagement

Côte d’Ivoire is already a major beneficiary of EBID’s development finance. To date, the country has received commitments totalling approximately XOF 567 billion (around USD 940 million) from the Bank. These funds have supported a wide range of public and private sector projects, from road and energy infrastructure to industrial development and SME financing.

The establishment of a permanent office is expected to enhance the efficiency of project identification, preparation, and implementation. It also provides EBID with the platform to offer on-the-ground technical support, monitor project progress more effectively, and deepen relationships with implementing agencies and financial partners.

Outlook for deeper integration and impact

The opening of the Abidjan office is being viewed as a potential turning point in the evolution of EBID from a regional development financier to a more embedded and proactive institutional actor. By taking this step, the Bank is demonstrating a willingness to adapt to the increasingly complex development landscape in West Africa, where agility, local knowledge, and partnership-building are essential to success.

For Côte d’Ivoire, hosting the EBID office is also an opportunity to further entrench its role as a regional leader in development finance. The move is expected to enhance its standing within ECOWAS while unlocking new avenues for investment and collaboration.

The establishment of EBID’s first country office in Côte d’Ivoire reflects a shared vision for a more connected, prosperous, and self-reliant West Africa. It highlights the Bank’s commitment to bringing its services closer to the people, expanding its reach, and maximising development impact across the sub-region.

As the Abidjan office opens its doors, it will do more than simply house EBID staff—it will serve as a beacon for economic cooperation and a catalyst for transformative development projects in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond. The move sets the stage for deeper regional integration and provides a model that could be replicated in other Member States, as EBID continues its mission of building a stronger, more resilient West Africa.