It is my singular honour to welcome you to the 24th Ordinary Session of the Board of Governors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development.
On behalf of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Government and people of Ghana, I extend our deepest hospitality to all Governors and other participants gathered here in the beautiful city of Accra.
I express sincere gratitude for the trust and confidence placed in Ghana to serve as the Chair of the Board of Governors of EBIDover the past year.
It has been an honour to work alongside such dedicatedcolleagues in advancing the cause of our Community throughthis strategic institution.
I am equally grateful to the President of the Bank, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, and his entire team. You have been steadfast, committed and supportive throughout my tenure.
As we gather to review the performance of the Bank in the past year, it is important to acknowledge the complex backdrop against which our Bank has conducted its business.
The global economy in 2025 navigated a landscape marked by what some have termed the "Great Wedge" – a profound divergence in growth dynamics, driven by surging investment in artificial intelligence in some regions.
This is coupled with persistent trade policy volatility and elevated geopolitical tensions in other parts of the global landscape.
This environment presented a unique set of challenges for our region and for EBID.
It created a "steady but narrow" global growth path, the benefits of which were unevenly distributed.
For an institution like ours, this translated into a complex operating environment, with divergent inflationary pressures across our Member States.
A historic realignment in commodity prices that created both headwinds and tailwinds for our economies, and a constant need to navigate fiscal and debt vulnerabilities.
In the face of these headwinds, EBID did not just weather the storm, we rose above it.
With resilience and strategic clarity, this Bank strengthened itsrole as a driver of regional development.
The performance is a testament to the strong and effective oversight of this Board, as well as the dedication and professionalism of the Management and staff.
This resilience is evident in EBID’s solid operational and financial performance in the year 2025.
Financially, the Bank delivered strong and sustained growth.
The balance sheet expanded from US$1.97 billion in 2024 to US$2.39 billion as at end 2025, reflecting increased scale and activity.
Profitability also strengthened, rising from US$8.55 million to US$9.75 million in 2025, representing a 13.3 percent increase.
On the operational front, performance was even more compelling. Project approvals increased by 50 percent, whilecommitments surged by over 83 percent to US$813.77 million.
This surge comes with a strong focus on energy and transport infrastructure, sectors critical to regional transformation.
The Bank also demonstrated its growing catalytic role. It mobilised over US$510 million and €310 million, all of which were fully deployed into priority projects, alongsidean additional US$100 million in capital mobilisation.
Distinguished Governors, Ladies and Gentlemen, the yearunder review marked a decisive phase in the Bank’sinstitutional consolidation and strategic advancement.
Beyond strong financial and operational performance, EBID recorded several milestone achievements that underscore itsgrowing resilience, credibility, and regional relevance.
Moody’s and Fitch reaffirmed the Bank’s ratings at B2-Stable and B-Stable, respectively.
This is a clear validation of its sound financial position, disciplined risk management, and strong governance.
EBID secured accreditation with the Green Climate Fund, unlocking new pathways to mobilise climate finance and support Member States in building climate-resilient economies.
The opening of the Abidjan Regional Office also marks a significant step in strengthening country presence, acceleratingproject delivery, and deepening regional engagement.
I wish to draw attention to a previous and standing decision taken by the Board of this Bank in 2022. This was a decisionthat carries profound implications for the future of our institution.
At that session, it was agreed that EBID’s authorised capital should increase from to US$3.4 billion.
At that same meeting, a call for the third tranche of subscriptions amounting to US$411.4 million was agreed. The agreed deadline for full payment was December 2025.
Yet, to date, only four Member States, namely, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Togo, have fully met their obligations.
While US$102.5 million was received in 2025, outstanding arrears still stand at approximately US$256 million.
In light of the missed December 2025 deadline, I urge all Member States to act with renewed commitment in fulfilling their obligations to the Bank.
Timely capital payments are critical. It strengthens EBID’s leverage and sustains its growth and impact across our region.
Expanding our capital base is essential to strengthening our ability to finance transformative development projects and stimulate inclusive economic growth in all Member States.
Our discussions here in Accra will be rigorous, and they must be. Because we are here to make decisions that will shape the economic future of our Bank and West Africa.
The expectations of our Citizens are high. They look to us for results.
Let us rise to that responsibility. Let us be bold in our thinking, decisive in our actions, and united in our purpose. Because the future we seek will only be built by deliberate and collective action.
Colleagues, I urge us to approach the 24th Annual General Meeting with a clear understanding that the future of EBID will be defined by what we commit to, and actually do, after we leave Accra. This must be our moment of resolve.
Your Excellencies, before I end, I express my deep appreciation for your continued support and commitment to this institution.
Finally, I encourage you all to take time from your busy schedules to explore the unique culture and rich heritage of the people of Ghana.
May your stay be both enjoyable and memorable.
Thank you.