Lomé, Togo – West Africa is gearing up for its first-ever ECOWAS Investment Forum (EIF), taking place on April 4th and 5th in Lomé, Togo. Organized by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), the forum’s theme is “Transforming ECOWAS Communities in a Challenging Environment.”
This groundbreaking event aims to showcase the investment potential of West Africa and facilitate socio-economic recovery across the region. ECOWAS member states face economic difficulties due to global issues, but the EIF seeks to address these challenges by presenting investment opportunities in critical sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and healthcare.
With the goal of bridging the $12 billion annual investment gap in ECOWAS, the EBID is currently seeking $1.48 billion to support its 2021-2025 strategic plan. The forum will serve as a platform for development actors to connect, discuss crucial issues like food security and climate change, and forge partnerships for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Key features of the forum include:
- Panel discussions and workshops
- Interactive sessions and B2B meetings
- Networking opportunities
- Showcase of development models
The inauguration ceremony for the forum was held virtually on January 24th, with key participants like the Togolese Minister of Economy, Sani Yaya, and EBID’s president of the board of governors, Nialé Kaba. The forum also enjoys the support of Eximbank India.