The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved over $101 million in funding for key infrastructure and development projects in Sierra Leone and Guinea. Announced during the Bank’s 94th Board Session, these approvals demonstrate how regional development institutions are supporting global priorities, from clean energy transitions to digital governance, through strategic, high-impact investments.
Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, emphasized the broader significance of these investments, highlighting their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He noted that modernizing energy grids and institutionalizing data-driven governance not only empower West African nations but also contribute to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies worldwide.
In Sierra Leone, the $79.389 million Energy Transmission Project will construct a 225 kV and 66 kV transmission network, enhancing national energy security and supporting industrial growth. Beyond the region, this project represents a model for developing economies seeking a just energy transition, reducing dependence on unsustainable power sources, integrating renewable energy, and enabling cross-border energy trade.
In Guinea, a $21.808 million investment in the National Development Observatory & Digital Atlas Project will modernize governance through geospatial data and digital planning tools. The initiative aims to improve transparency and policy-making effectiveness, serving as a global example of how digital transformation can optimize resource allocation and strengthen institutional capacity.
EBID’s financing aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals, advancing SDG 7 through modernized energy transmission, SDGs 8 and 9 by catalyzing industrial activity and resilient infrastructure, and SDG 17 by promoting partnerships and capacity-building. These projects showcase how regional action can translate into tangible contributions toward global sustainable development objectives.
