This article was produced with the support of ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development
The Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), chaired by its President, Dr George Agyekum Donkor, has approved more than $417m in financing for five strategic public and private sector projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure, healthcare, housing, mining and financial resilience across West Africa.
Approved during the Board’s 99th Ordinary Session on 6 July 2026, the investments underline EBID’s continued commitment to financing projects that support regional integration, stimulate economic growth and improve living standards across West Africa.
The financing package spans transport infrastructure, affordable housing, healthcare, public administration and mining, reflecting the Bank’s broad development mandate and its focus on addressing some of the region’s most pressing economic and social challenges.
Dr Donkor said the projects demonstrated the institution’s commitment to delivering practical development outcomes across West Africa.
“From transport infrastructure and healthcare to housing and financial resilience, these investments will strengthen regional competitiveness while supporting sustainable and inclusive growth across West Africa.”
Strengthening regional infrastructure
The largest approval is a $260m investment to finance a 123km section of the Trans-Saharan Highway in Nigeria. The project is expected to improve regional connectivity, facilitate intra-African trade and reduce transport and logistics costs for businesses operating across the ECOWAS region.
Improving transport corridors remains central to regional integration efforts, with more efficient road infrastructure expected to boost cross-border commerce, encourage private investment and strengthen supply chains throughout West Africa.
Supporting housing and healthcare
In Côte d’Ivoire, EBID approved a XOF10bn line of credit for Banque de l’Habitat de Côte d’Ivoire (BHCI). The financing will expand access to housing finance while providing greater support for small and medium-sized enterprises operating throughout the housing and construction value chain. The project is expected to contribute to employment creation while helping address the country’s significant housing deficit.
The Bank also approved €80m to support the design, construction, equipping and long-term maintenance of the 150-bed Regional Hospital of Ferkessédougou through a public-private partnership. The new facility will improve access to modern healthcare services and specialist medical treatment for communities in northern Côte d’Ivoire, reducing pressure on existing health infrastructure and improving healthcare outcomes.
Modernising public infrastructure
A further XOF12.82bn has been approved for the renovation, operation and maintenance of the Symphonie Building in Abidjan under a public-private partnership. Once completed, the refurbished complex will accommodate Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Justice, modernising an important public asset while improving the efficiency of government services.
Backing strategic mining investment
Outside Côte d’Ivoire, EBID approved $47.4m for Azumah Resources Ghana Limited to finance the procurement of long-lead processing plant equipment and critical early-stage development activities for the Black Volta Gold Project in Ghana.
The financing is expected to accelerate development of one of the country’s emerging gold mining operations, supporting investment, employment and export earnings while strengthening Ghana’s mining sector.
Driving sustainable regional development
The latest approvals are aligned with EBID’s Growth, Resilience and Optimisation (GRO) Strategy, which prioritises investment in transformative infrastructure, human capital, private sector development and regional integration.
As West African economies seek to accelerate growth while improving resilience to global economic shocks, regional development finance institutions such as EBID are playing an increasingly important role in mobilising long-term capital for projects that commercial lenders may be unable or unwilling to finance.
By directing investment towards strategic sectors with significant economic and social impact, EBID aims to strengthen regional competitiveness while supporting more inclusive and sustainable development across the West African community.