The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has signed an agreement with the government of Cote d’Ivoire to establish a representative office in Abidjan, the country’s economic capital. The deal, formalized on Tuesday, marks a strategic step toward deepening regional cooperation and accelerating economic development across West Africa.
EBID operates as the development finance arm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with a mandate to drive sustainable growth across member states. By opening a presence in Abidjan, the bank aims to reinforce its support for national development programs and expand its impact in the region.
The new office will support key sectors of the Ivorian economy. EBID plans to invest in hotel infrastructure, provide credit lines to banks to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and fund agro-industrial initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and job creation. These investments are expected to benefit not only Cote d’Ivoire but also neighboring countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal.
During the signing ceremony, Ivorian Foreign Minister Leon Kacou Adom described the agreement as a milestone in the country’s partnership with EBID. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Cote d’Ivoire’s broader commitment to regional integration and collective growth.
“This partnership reflects Cote d’Ivoire’s enduring commitment to a united and dynamic regional economy,” Adom stated. “We believe in the shared values and objectives of ECOWAS, and in the strength of collaboration to address the pressing developmental challenges our region faces.”
The Abidjan office is expected to enhance coordination with national stakeholders and accelerate the implementation of projects in line with ECOWAS development priorities. The move also reflects EBID’s focus on local engagement, enabling more responsive and tailored support across West Africa.
Through this expansion, EBID reinforces its role as a catalyst for regional transformation, promoting investment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth across multiple sectors.