The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) posted stronger financial and operational performance in 2025, even as outstanding capital contributions from member states threaten to constrain its expansion, finance minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said.
Dr. Forson told governors at the bank’s 24th Ordinary Session in Accra that the balance sheet rose to $2.39 billion at the end of 2025 from $1.97 billion a year earlier. Net profit increased to $9.75 million from $8.55 million, representing a 13.3% gain.
Operational activity also strengthened, with project approvals rising by 50% and total commitments increasing by more than 80% to $813.77 million, driven largely by investments in energy and transport infrastructure. The expansion comes alongside delays in member state contributions to the bank’s capital base.
A 2022 decision to increase authorized capital to $3.4 billion included a third tranche subscription of $411.4 million, with a deadline in December 2025. Only Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Togo have fully met their obligations, leaving arrears of about $256 million, according to the minister. The shortfall risks limiting the bank’s ability to scale financing for development projects across West Africa, where demand for infrastructure funding remains high.
The bank’s credit ratings were reaffirmed at B2 with a stable outlook by Moody’s and at B with a stable outlook by Fitch Ratings, reflecting its financial position and governance framework. The institution also secured accreditation with the Green Climate Fund, expanding its access to climate finance, and opened a regional office in Abidjan to strengthen project delivery and regional presence.
The bank’s performance came against a backdrop of uneven global growth, geopolitical tensions, and shifting commodity prices, which have created divergent inflation pressures and fiscal challenges across member states.
These conditions have increased reliance on regional development finance institutions to support investment and economic stability. The bank’s ability to sustain growth will depend on improved capital mobilization and stronger commitment from member states, as well as continued focus on priority sectors, including infrastructure and climate-related investments.
The annual meeting brings together regional policymakers and industry leaders as West Africa seeks to accelerate development while managing fiscal and external pressures.
