“Ghana Hosts 24th EBID Board Meeting

It is my singular honour and privilege, as Chairman of the Board of Governors, to warmly welcome you all to the 24th Ordinary Session of the Board of Governors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

On behalf of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, as well as the Government and people of Ghana, I extend our deepest hospitality to all Governors, delegates, and distinguished participants gathered here in the vibrant and welcoming city of Accra.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the trust and confidence reposed in Ghana to serve as Chair of the Board of Governors of EBID over the past year. It has been both a privilege and a responsibility to work alongside such committed and forward-thinking colleagues in advancing the objectives of our Community through this vital regional financial institution.

I am equally grateful to the President of the Bank, George Agyekum Donkor, and his entire management team for their unwavering support, dedication, and professionalism throughout my tenure.

As we convene to review the Bank’s performance over the past year, it is important to situate our discussions within the broader global context. The global economy in 2025 operated within what has been described as the “Great Wedge”—a period marked by widening disparities in growth trajectories, largely driven by rapid advancements and investments in artificial intelligence in some regions, alongside persistent trade policy uncertainties and heightened geopolitical tensions elsewhere.

This complex and evolving global landscape created a “steady but narrow” growth path, with uneven distribution of benefits across regions. For EBID and our Member States, this translated into a challenging operating environment characterized by divergent inflationary pressures, significant shifts in commodity prices presenting both risks and opportunities, and ongoing fiscal and debt vulnerabilities.

Despite these headwinds, EBID demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic clarity. The Bank not only weathered these challenges but strengthened its role as a key driver of regional development and economic transformation.

This progress is a testament to the effective oversight of this Board, as well as the dedication and professionalism of the Bank’s Management and staff. Indeed, the Bank’s resilience is clearly reflected in its strong operational and financial performance in 2025.

Financially, EBID recorded impressive growth. Its balance sheet expanded from US$1.97 billion in 2024 to US$2.39 billion by the end of 2025, reflecting increased scale and operational activity. Profitability also improved significantly, rising from US$8.55 million to US$9.75 million—representing a 13.3 percent increase.

Operationally, performance was even more compelling. Project approvals grew by 50 percent, while commitments surged by over 83 percent to reach US$813.77 million. Notably, these investments were largely directed toward critical sectors such as energy and transport infrastructure, which are essential for driving regional integration and economic growth.

The Bank also strengthened its catalytic role by mobilizing over US$510 million and €310 million, all of which were fully deployed into priority projects. This was complemented by an additional US$100 million in capital mobilisation, further enhancing its development impact.

Distinguished Governors, Ladies and Gentlemen, the year under review marked a significant phase in EBID’s institutional consolidation and strategic advancement. Beyond strong financial and operational results, the Bank achieved several important milestones that underscore its growing credibility and regional relevance.

Notably, global rating agencies Moody’s and Fitch reaffirmed the Bank’s ratings at B2-Stable and B-Stable, respectively, validating its sound financial position, disciplined risk management, and strong governance framework.

Additionally, EBID secured accreditation with the Green Climate Fund, unlocking new opportunities to mobilise climate finance and support Member States in building resilient and sustainable economies. The establishment of the Abidjan Regional Office further strengthens the Bank’s presence, enabling faster project delivery and deeper regional engagement.

However, I wish to draw attention to a critical matter arising from a decision taken by this Board in 2022—one that holds significant implications for the Bank’s future. At that time, it was agreed to increase EBID’s authorised capital to US$3.4 billion, alongside a call for a third tranche of subscriptions amounting to US$411.4 million, with a deadline of December 2025.

To date, only four Member States—Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Togo—have fully met their obligations. While US$102.5 million was received in 2025, outstanding arrears remain at approximately US$256 million.

In light of this, I urge all Member States to renew their commitment by fulfilling their financial obligations promptly. Timely capital contributions are essential to strengthening the Bank’s financial capacity, enhancing its leverage, and sustaining its developmental impact across the region.

Expanding our capital base is not optional—it is critical to our ability to finance transformative projects, drive inclusive growth, and respond effectively to the evolving needs of our economies.

Our deliberations here in Accra must therefore be purposeful and forward-looking. The expectations of our citizens are high, and rightly so. They look to us for tangible results that improve lives and create opportunities.

Let us rise to this responsibility with bold thinking, decisive action, and a shared sense of purpose. The future we envision for our region can only be achieved through deliberate and collective effort.

As we proceed with the 24th Annual General Meeting, I encourage all of us to remain focused on outcomes. The true measure of our success will be defined not just by our discussions here, but by the actions we take after we leave Accra.

Before I conclude, I wish to express my deep appreciation for your continued support and commitment to EBID.

Finally, I invite you to take time out of your schedules to experience the rich culture, warmth, and hospitality of Ghana. I trust that your stay will be both enjoyable and memorable.