In a historic move to strengthen regional economic cooperation, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has inaugurated its first-ever Regional Representative Office in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The milestone was announced by Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s Minister for Finance and Chairman of the Bank’s Board of Governors.

“This is a landmark step in our drive to deepen regional investment, integration, and opportunity for all,” Dr. Forson stated via his official X (formerly Twitter) account

The new office in Abidjan is expected to:

Enhance EBID’s operational reach across Francophone West Africa
Facilitate closer engagement with regional stakeholders and development partners
Accelerate investment flows into key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and SMEs
Promote economic integration in line with ECOWAS’s broader vision for a unified West African economy

The choice of Abidjan—one of West Africa’s most dynamic economic hubs—underscores the Bank’s commitment to proximity, responsiveness, and regional inclusivity.

As the financial arm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), EBID plays a pivotal role in funding development projects that foster economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote integration among member states.

The establishment of the Abidjan office is part of a broader strategy to decentralize operations and bring services closer to member countries, ensuring that the benefits of regional cooperation are felt more directly by citizens and businesses alike.