ECOWAS Finance Minister Urges Member States to Settle Financial Obligations to EBID

At the 24th Annual General Meeting of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) held in Accra on April 8, 2026, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson called upon all ECOWAS member states to fulfill their outstanding financial commitments to the bank. Dr. Forson emphasized that timely capital payments are fundamental for the bank’s growth and its capacity to drive regional development.

Outstanding Financial Commitments Highlighted

During his address, Dr. Forson acknowledged that while Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Togo have successfully met their financial obligations, several other member states are lagging behind with significant arrears. The total due from these states is approximately $256 million USD, despite a set deadline of December 2025 for the third tranche of subscription.

The Importance of Capital Payments

“Expanding our capital base is essential to strengthen our ability to finance transformative development projects,” Dr. Forson asserted, underscoring the role of these payments in fostering inclusive economic growth across member states.

“Timely capital payments strengthen EBID’s leverage and sustain its growth and impact across our region,” he added, reinforcing the necessity for collective financial commitment from all members.

EBID Performance Amidst Global Economic Challenges

Despite a challenging global economic landscape marked by uneven growth and fluctuating commodity prices, EBID reported significant achievements in 2025. The bank’s balance sheet expanded from $1.97 billion USD in 2024 to $2.4 billion USD in 2025. Profitability demonstrated a notable increase, climbing from $8.55 million USD to $9.8 million USD, marking a growth rate of 13.4%.

Operational Achievements in Key Sectors

Operational success was evident, with project approvals surging by 50%. The focus on energy and transport infrastructure was particularly vital for regional transformation efforts. Furthermore, EBID mobilized over $510 million USD and €310 million for high-priority projects, along with an additional $100 million USD in capital mobilization.

Institutional Milestones and Future Directions

Dr. Forson also highlighted several key institutional milestones for EBID, including:

• Credit rating affirmations from Moody’s and Fitch
• Accreditation with the Green Climate Fund
• The opening of EBID’s Abidjan Regional Office to enhance regional engagement

Call for Unity and Commitment

In conclusion, Dr. Forson urged governors and stakeholders to engage in decisive and unified discussions to propel EBID and West Africa’s development forward. “Our discussions here in Accra will be rigorous because the expectations of our citizens are very high. They look to us for results, and we must deliver,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency for action and collaboration.