The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) recorded strong financial performance in 2025, with its balance sheet expanding to US$2.39 billion.
The growth represents a 20.63% increase from US$1.97 billion in 2024, while profit rose by 13.3% to US$9.79 million.
Speaking at the 24th Ordinary Session of the Board of Governors held in Accra, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Board of Governors of EBID, said the Bank delivered sustained growth despite a challenging global environment.
He said project approvals increased by 50%, with commitments rising by over 83% to US$813.77 million, while new disbursements reached US$722.69 million, representing a 47.71% increase.
Dr Forson said the Bank appraised 25 projects valued at approximately US$1.47 billion in 2025, driven largely by investments in infrastructure and industrial development.
He said the performance was achieved amid global trade policy volatility, geopolitical tensions and divergent growth patterns.
Dr Forson said international rating agencies, Moody’s and Fitch, reaffirmed EBID’s ratings at B2-Stable and B-Stable, respectively, reflecting its sound financial position, risk management and governance structures.
He, however, raised concerns over delays in capital contributions following a 2022 Board decision to increase the Bank’s authorised capital.
Dr Forson said out of a third tranche of US$411.4 million due by December 2025, only US$102.5 million had been received, leaving arrears of about US$256 million, with only four Member States- Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Togo- meeting their obligations.
“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,” he emphasised.
Dr Forson urged Member States to fulfil their commitments.
“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,” he stated.
Dr George Agyekum Donkor, President of EBID, said the Bank demonstrated resilience in 2025 and maintained strong operational performance.
He said EBID mobilised US$545.94 million in resources and deployed over US$510 million and €310 million into priority projects, alongside an additional US$100 million in capital mobilisation.
Dr Donkor said the Bank’s portfolio remained dominated by direct loans and commercial financing, accounting for 98.62% of net commitments, with equity investments representing 1.38%.
He announced the Bank’s 2026–2030 ‘GRO Strategy’, centred on growth, resilience and optimisation, allocating at least 63% of new commitments to private enterprises and over 41% to climate and social projects.
