Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of the West African Development Bank (BIDC), emphasized the need for strengthened regional financing and increased mobilization of public and private capital to accelerate West Africa's transformation. Speaking at the Rebranding Africa Forum (RAF) 2026 in Brussels, Dr. Donkor presented his vision on "Building Tomorrow's West Africa: Financing Human Capital, Prosperity, and Regional Integration". He highlighted the importance of transforming the region's economic potential into concrete development outcomes.
Dr. Donkor identified reliable energy, modern transportation networks, digital infrastructure development, accelerated industrialization, and investment in human capital as essential levers for a prosperous West Africa. These priorities are central to the BIDC's Growth, Resilience, and Optimization (GRO) Strategy 2026-2030, which focuses on strategic investments, sustainability, and regional integration. The BIDC has invested over $6 billion in financing more than 330 projects across its 15 member states, supporting key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and healthcare.
The BIDC President noted that insufficient long-term financing, risk perceptions, and a lack of bankable projects continue to hinder the region's development. He highlighted the Bank's role in structuring viable projects, reducing investment risks, and mobilizing innovative financing mechanisms to channel more capital towards high-impact opportunities. Dr. Donkor also emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and strengthening regional integration as drivers of productivity, resilience, and shared prosperity.
The BIDC has been actively engaged in financing development projects in West Africa, with a focus on strategic investments and sustainable development. Dr. Donkor invited governments, development partners, institutional investors, and the private sector to strengthen their collaboration to finance the region's transformation. He reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to promoting sustainable growth and deepening regional integration in West Africa.
Dr. Donkor's call for enhanced regional financing and increased capital mobilization resonated with stakeholders at the RAF 2026. The BIDC's GRO Strategy 2026-2030 aims to optimize the region's growth potential and promote sustainable development. The Bank's efforts to mobilize innovative financing mechanisms and structure viable projects are expected to play a crucial role in driving West Africa's transformation.
The Rebranding Africa Forum (RAF) 2026 provided a platform for Dr. Donkor to share his vision for West Africa's development. The forum brought together stakeholders from across the region to discuss key issues and opportunities for growth and development. Dr. Donkor's speech highlighted the need for collective action to address the region's development challenges and unlock its economic potential.
The BIDC's commitment to promoting sustainable growth and deepening regional integration in West Africa is reflected in its strategic priorities and operations. The Bank's focus on human capital development, infrastructure development, and private sector growth is expected to drive economic growth and prosperity in the region. With its strengthened focus on regional financing and capital mobilization, the BIDC is poised to play a critical role in shaping West Africa's development trajectory.
Key points
- Dr. George Agyekum Donkor calls for increased public and private capital mobilization to accelerate West Africa's transformation
- BIDC has invested over $6 billion in financing more than 330 projects across its 15 member states
- Dr. Donkor emphasizes the importance of investing in human capital and strengthening regional integration for sustainable growth and prosperity
