The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved more than US$101 million in strategic financing for infrastructure and governance projects in Sierra Leone and Guinea, in a move expected to strengthen energy security, digital governance and economic transformation in the sub-region.
The approvals were granted during the Bank’s 94th Board Session, with the regional financial institution positioning the investments as part of broader efforts to align West Africa’s development agenda with global sustainable development priorities.
The lion’s share of the financing — US$79.389 million — will go into the Sierra Leone Energy Transmission Project, which seeks to construct a 225kV and 66kV electricity transmission network across the country.
The project is expected to improve electricity transmission, stabilise power supply and create a stronger foundation for industrialisation and private sector growth in Sierra Leone.
Officials of EBID described the intervention as a critical step toward ensuring national energy security and accelerating economic productivity through improved infrastructure.
In Guinea, the bank approved US$21.808 million for the National Development Observatory and Digital Atlas Project, an initiative aimed at modernising governance systems through digital planning tools and geospatial data technology.
The project is expected to enhance transparency, improve development planning and strengthen institutional efficiency through data-driven governance mechanisms.
According to EBID, the approved projects are intended to serve as models of innovation and strategic partnership capable of driving sustainable development beyond the borders of West Africa.
The bank further noted that the investments support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry and innovation, as well as partnerships for development.
