ECOWAS Bank Unveils 2027 Investment Forum, Targets Capital Inflows, Inclusive Growth

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has unveiled its 2027 ECOWAS Investment Forum (EIF), with a focus on mobilising fresh capital, strengthening investment partnerships and driving inclusive economic growth across the West African sub-region.

The Forum, scheduled for April 7 and 8, 2027, is expected to bring together investors, development finance institutions, policymakers, project sponsors and private-sector leaders to unlock investment opportunities and accelerate regional economic transformation.

EBID unveiled the Forum at an official media launch in Lomé, Togo, on September 29, 2026, under the theme, “Resilience and Transformation: Navigating Global Uncertainties and Unlocking Inclusive Growth in the West African Sub-region.”

The President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, Dr George Agyekum Donkor, said EIF 2027 was conceived as a platform to mobilise capital, strengthen partnerships and accelerate structural transformation through sustainable and inclusive investments.

Donkor underscored the importance of investment in unlocking West Africa’s economic potential, particularly at a time when the region is confronted with global economic uncertainties and headwinds.

According to him, the Forum would provide an avenue for investors and other stakeholders to identify viable opportunities and develop financing partnerships capable of supporting sustainable economic growth across the region.

The launch brought together government officials, development finance institutions, regional partners, investors, private-sector leaders, diplomats and media representatives to outline the objectives and strategic priorities of EIF 2027.

The event featured a presentation of the 2027 Investment Forum and a high-level panel discussion on investment opportunities and financing solutions for sustainable growth.

Contributions to the panel came from Barton Heyman Limited, the African Trade Chamber and the National Agency for the Promotion and Guarantee of SME Financing (ANPGF) of Togo, with discussions focusing on innovative financing mechanisms and greater private-sector participation in regional development.

Speaking on behalf of the Togolese government, the host country and official partner of the Forum, the Chief of Staff to the Minister for Finance and Budget, Mrs Akou Afidenyigba, said the Forum should provide practical pathways for converting global economic challenges into opportunities for regional investment.

She stressed the need for stakeholders to leverage the prevailing global uncertainties to attract investments capable of strengthening the resilience of West African economies.

Also speaking, the Minister for Planning, Development and International Cooperation of the Republic of Guinea and current Chairman of the EBID Board of Governors, Ismael Nabe, called for stronger collaboration among governments, investors, development partners and the private sector.

Nabe said West Africa possessed significant natural resources, human capital and investment opportunities capable of positioning the region as a major economic hub.

He emphasised the need for greater cooperation among key stakeholders to unlock these resources and translate the region’s economic potential into sustainable development.

EBID said EIF 2027 would connect project sponsors with investors, development finance institutions, policymakers and business leaders around investment opportunities in strategic sectors.

The Forum is expected to facilitate investment flows, foster public-private partnerships and support initiatives aimed at accelerating structural transformation and inclusive economic growth across the West African sub-region.