Lomé, Togo – April 2, 2024 – West Africa gears up for a pivotal event as the inaugural ECOWAS Investment Forum (EIF) kicks off tomorrow in Lomé, Togo. The three-day gathering, running from April 3rd to 5th, brings together leaders, investors, and development experts to unlock investment opportunities and drive economic recovery across the region.
Addressing Challenges, Building a Brighter Future
The forum comes at a critical juncture as ECOWAS member states grapple with economic challenges stemming from global issues. Organized by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), the event provides a strategic platform to showcase West Africa’s vast potential for investors. Discussions will center around attracting investment in critical sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and healthcare, all seen as essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
High-Profile Participation and Pressing Issues
A distinguished list of attendees will grace the forum, including keynote speakers like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Simon Tiemtoré, President of Vista Group Holding. Three key plenary sessions will delve into pressing issues impacting West Africa:
- Food Security: Experts will discuss solutions to ensure a stable food supply, addressing challenges like adverse weather, disrupted supply chains, and inadequate storage facilities.
- Infrastructure Deficit: Participants will explore strategies to attract domestic and foreign capital to bridge the gap in infrastructure like roads, energy, and telecommunications.
- Youth Unemployment: Discussions will focus on how the private sector can create green jobs, particularly in the green energy sector, to empower young people and contribute to climate resilience.
Deal Rooms Foster Partnerships
Beyond high-level discussions, the forum offers practical opportunities for investors and project developers. Sector-focused deal rooms will facilitate direct interaction between key players, fostering the creation of partnerships that could lead to financing crucial development projects across the region.
A Look Ahead: Building Resilience
The ECOWAS Investment Forum presents a significant opportunity for West Africa to chart a course for a more robust future. By fostering investment in key sectors and addressing critical challenges like youth unemployment, the forum can empower the region to achieve sustainable economic growth and build resilience in the face of global challenges.
Speakers
- H.E. Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Republic of Togo
- Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID
- Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission
- Hon. Sani Yaya, Minister of Economy and Finance, Togolese Republic
- Hon. Seedy Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, The Gambia
- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization
- Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank
- Simon Tiemtoré, Chairman of Vista Bank Group
- Jean-Paul Carteron, Extraordinary Ambassador to FAO and President of the Crans Montana Forum and the World Diplomatic Academy (WDA)
- Shri P. Kumaram, Special Secretary, Economic Relations & Development Partnership Administration Ministry of External Affairs, India
Additional Speakers
- Eng. Francis Sempore, Executive Director of ECREEE
- Dr. Kodjo Attaty, Regional Underwriter, West and Central Africa Francophone Coverage at ATIDI
- Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman, Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, Government of Sierra Leone
- Siengui Appolinaire Ki, Secretary General of West African Power Pool
- Geoffrey Nsofon, Private Sector Engagement Officer for TAAT Clearinghouse
- Dr. Aminou Akadiri, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry
- D. Eng Oyetounde Djwa, Program Officer at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Office-Togo
- Vikramaditya Ugra, Chief General Manager, India Exim Bank
- Shri G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to Nigeria
- Christopher Balliet Bleziri, Country Officer, International Finance Corporation – Togo
Moderators
- Dr. Joseph Kwadwo Asenso, Head, Macroeconomic Research and Studies Division, EBID
- Olumide Lala, Co-Founder & Executive Director – Climate Transition Limited
MCs
- Anita Erskine, Executive Director, Erskine Global Communications Expert in Narratives on Women’s Socio-Economic Advancement, Africa’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Arts & Culture
- Eklu Patrick Amendah