In a significant diplomatic encounter, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone hosted a delegation from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), led by President Dr. George Agyekum Donkor. Dr. Donkor praised President Bio for the favourable macroeconomic data seen in Sierra Leone during his administration during this courtesy visit to the president’s office in Freetown. “Every macroeconomic indicator has been performing well, Your Excellency. An indication of the success of your government. “Congratulations,” he said, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to promoting investment prospects in the area.
To foster economic growth and development among the fifteen member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development is essential. It serves as a key financial institution aimed at facilitating investment and development initiatives throughout West Africa.
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh explained the visit’s goal during the delegation’s introduction, emphasising that it was a follow-up to a previous meeting between President Bio and Dr. Donkor. The bank president had extended an open invitation for a visit to Sierra Leone, which was graciously accepted, paving the way for fruitful discussions on regional investment.
During his speech, Dr. Donkor congratulated President Bio on his new role as ECOWAS Authority chair. He conveyed his appreciation for the cordial welcome his team experienced while in Sierra Leone. “Your Excellency, I would like to express my gratitude for the gracious hospitality that my team and I experienced in Sierra Leone. He recognised the importance of leadership in navigating the region’s current instability and said, “I also want to formally congratulate you on your position in the highest office at ECOWAS.” During his time at ECOWAS, he assured the President that the bank would always be there to support his efforts.
Dr. Donkor provided an update on the bank’s ongoing activities since their arrival, stating that they had met with several key government ministers to discuss important issues such as road development, infrastructure, tourism, and education. He emphasised the importance of real investment opportunities and stated that the delegation would continue to consult with sector ministers to identify specific projects that the bank could fund.
Furthermore, Dr. Donkor urged President Bio, as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, to help the bank maintain its non-political status in the sub-region. This, he argued, would enhance the bank’s ability to expand its reach and undertake more significant development projects across West Africa.
President Bio responded by extending a cordial welcome to Dr. Donkor and his group and expressing gratitude for keeping their word during the prior meeting at the ECOWAS Summit. He was hopeful that the visit would result in productive conversations and assist in identifying important issues that fall within the bank’s purview. “West Africa has great potential, which we want to not only develop but also tap into for our future,” the president said, highlighting the significance of regional economic integration.
President Bio emphasised the University of Kono as a priority project that needs immediate attention, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to deepening its relationship with the bank.”We want to look at both physical and digital infrastructure, as well as that of our ecotourism,” he said, underscoring the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development. This all-encompassing vision demonstrates the government’s dedication to fostering sustainable tourism in the area by utilising digital innovations in addition to improving physical connectivity.
With the potential to unleash the region’s economic growth and development, the meeting between President Bio and the ECOWAS Bank delegation represents a critical step in promoting cooperation and investment in Sierra Leone. The conversations laid the groundwork for future cooperation and communication aimed at tackling the urgent problems and possibilities in the West African setting.
