The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development extends a XOF 10 billion line of credit to strengthen the private sector in Côte d’Ivoire

In a move to bolster private sector growth and support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Côte d'Ivoire, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development has approved a USD 16.3 million line of credit to the Banque Sahélo-Saharienne pour l’Investissement et le Commerce. The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony held on Monday, January 27, 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

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This article was produced with the support of ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development

This strategic financing facility is designed to empower SMEs operating in key sectors critical to Côte d’Ivoire’s economic development, including agriculture and agro-industry, industry, infrastructure, transport, and services. By providing access to much-needed capital, the initiative aims to stimulate job creation, enhance productivity, and foster inclusive economic growth across the region.

In his address at the ceremony, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, emphasised the Bank’s unwavering commitment to driving sustainable development and job creation in the ECOWAS region. “This XOF 10 billion line of credit underscores EBID’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate of promoting economic growth and social progress. Our partnership with BSIC-CI SA aligns seamlessly with our strategic vision and will have a transformative impact on Ivorian Communities,” he stated.

Dr. Donkor further highlighted the Bank’s focus on gender inclusion, noting that a portion of the funds will be specifically allocated to businesses owned or managed by women. “By empowering women entrepreneurs, we are not only advancing gender equality but also unlocking the full potential of the private sector to drive sustainable development,” he added.

Mr. Adeboke Mensan Affambi, Managing Director of BSIC-CI SA, expressed his gratitude to EBID for its support and reaffirmed his Bank’s commitment to ensuring the effective utilisation of the funds. “This partnership with EBID represents a significant milestone in our mission to support SMEs and contribute to the economic transformation of Côte d’Ivoire. We are committed to deploying the facility efficiently to create tangible, positive impacts on the lives of individuals and communities,” he said.

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of BSIC Côte d’Ivoire, Mrs. Lydie Ahoussi Guibéi, expressed appreciation to EBID. She affirmed the commitment of BSIC – CI to apply this facility solely for the purpose for which it was intended.

This latest financing agreement further solidifies EBID’s role as a key partner in Côte d’Ivoire’s economic development. To date, the Bank’s total commitments in the country amount to approximately USD 803 million, reflecting its ongoing efforts to provide innovative financial solutions that address the region’s most pressing development challenges.