The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBEID) has unveiled plans to dedicate a significant portion of its resources to social sector initiatives, with a particular focus on women, youth, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.
Dr Sydney Vanderpuye, Director of Finance and Accounting at EBEID, made the announcement during his keynote address at the Africa Prosperity Network Dialogue (APD) 2026 in Accra on Wednesday, 4th February.
APD 2026, being held under the theme “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade,” brings together African leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators to explore strategies for deepening intra-African trade and fostering inclusive economic development.
Speaking to an audience of government officials, business leaders, innovators, and development experts, Dr Vanderpuye emphasized the critical role of access to finance in unlocking Africa’s entrepreneurial potential. “Bridging the finance gap is no longer a peripheral issue. It is central to Africa’s growth story, job creation, and social stability across our sub-regions,” he said.
Under its 2026–2030 strategic plan, EBEID will allocate a minimum of 25% of its resources to social sector interventions, targeting women-led businesses and youth-driven startups as key beneficiaries. The plan also earmarks at least 22% of new financial commitments for SMEs to support their growth and integration into Africa’s single market.
Dr Vanderpuye described the dialogues not merely as a conference, but as a “working space” to align policy, capital, and capacity around bankable solutions.
He called for a collective approach to empowering SMEs, women, and youth, stressing that such ambitions cannot be achieved by any single institution or government alone.
He further highlighted the importance of designing financial instruments that reduce risks for SMEs, expand credit guarantees, and mobilize large-scale finance. He pledged the bank’s commitment to working with governments, fellow development finance institutions, commercial banks, and private investors to translate policy into impactful projects.
“These dialogues enable practical outcomes for SMEs, women, and youth who are building Africa’s single market from the ground up,” Dr. Vanderpuye said adding “We are committed to moving from aspirations to implementation, from vision statements to transaction pipelines that transform lives and economies across the continent.”
