EBID, Afriland First Bank forge XOF 10bn partnership to boost SME growth in Côte d’Ivoire

ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and Afriland First Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A. signed a loan agreement on May 20, 2026, at the Bank’s headquarters in Lomé, Togo, for an amount of ten billion (10,000,000,000) FCFA to strengthen private sector financing and accelerate economic transformation in Côte d’Ivoire.

The facility will support the growing short- and medium-term financing needs of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and mid-sized companies operating in strategic sectors such as health, education, agro-industry, manufacturing, trade, construction, services, and technology.

By improving access to tailored financing solutions, the partnership seeks to unlock productive capacity, stimulate entrepreneurship, and enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, stated: “This partnership reflects EBID’s continued commitment to strengthening the private sector as a catalyst for sustainable growth, industrial development, and regional integration.

By supporting businesses with the financing required to scale operations, innovate, and create jobs, we are investing in the long-term resilience
and competitiveness of West African economies.”

The Managing Director of Afriland First Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A., Mr. Christian Kammogne Fogaing, emphasized the strategic importance of the facility: “This credit line significantly reinforces our ability to support SMEs and mid-sized enterprises, which remain central to economic activity and job creation.

It aligns with our ambition to deepen financial inclusion, stimulate productive investment, and provide businesses with the resources needed to
expand and thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.”

Beyond providing financing, the initiative is expected to generate substantial economic value expansion of business operations, job creation, and strengthened regional value chains.

The project will also contribute to improving the resilience of local enterprises and supporting inclusive economic growth in Côte d’Ivoire and the ECOWAS sub-region.

Through this partnership, EBID continues to advance its Growth, Resilience and Optimisation (GRO) Strategy by mobilising resources toward high-impact private sector initiatives that foster industrialization, economic diversification, regional integration, and sustainable development across West Africa.