The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has announced its 2027 ECOWAS Investment Forum (EIF), focusing on mobilizing fresh capital and driving inclusive economic growth in West Africa. Scheduled for April 7-8, 2027, the forum will bring together investors, policymakers, and private-sector leaders to unlock investment opportunities and accelerate regional economic transformation. The event aims to strengthen investment partnerships and provide a platform for stakeholders to identify viable opportunities and develop financing partnerships.
The forum was unveiled 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." EBID President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, emphasized the importance of investment in unlocking West Africa's economic potential, particularly during global economic uncertainties. He highlighted the forum's role in mobilizing capital, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating structural transformation through sustainable and inclusive investments.
The launch event brought together government officials, development finance institutions, regional partners, investors, and private-sector leaders to outline the objectives and strategic priorities of EIF 2027. A high-level panel discussion on investment opportunities and financing solutions for sustainable growth featured contributions from Barton Heyman Limited, the African Trade Chamber, and the National Agency for the Promotion and Guarantee of SME Financing (ANPGF) of Togo. The discussions focused on innovative financing mechanisms and greater private-sector participation in regional development.
Speaking on behalf of the Togolese government, the Chief of Staff to the Minister for Finance and Budget, Mrs. Akou Afidenyigba, stressed the need for stakeholders to leverage global uncertainties to attract investments capable of strengthening the resilience of West African economies. She emphasized that the forum should provide practical pathways for converting global economic challenges into opportunities for regional investment.
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. He highlighted West Africa's significant natural resources, human capital, and investment opportunities, emphasizing the need for greater cooperation to unlock these resources and position the region as a major economic hub.
The 2027 ECOWAS Investment Forum is expected to provide an avenue for investors and stakeholders to identify viable opportunities and develop financing partnerships capable of supporting sustainable economic growth across the region. The forum aims to drive inclusive economic growth and accelerate regional economic transformation by unlocking investment opportunities and strengthening partnerships.
Key stakeholders, including government officials, investors, and private-sector leaders, are expected to attend the forum, which will provide a platform for discussions on innovative financing mechanisms and greater private-sector participation in regional development. The event aims to mobilize fresh capital and drive inclusive economic growth in West Africa, positioning the region as a major economic hub.
Key points
- The 2027 ECOWAS Investment Forum will focus on mobilizing fresh capital, strengthening investment partnerships, and driving inclusive economic growth in West Africa.
- The forum will bring together investors, policymakers, and private-sector leaders to unlock investment opportunities and accelerate regional economic transformation.
- The event aims to provide practical pathways for converting global economic challenges into opportunities for regional investment and drive inclusive economic growth.
