The West African Development Bank (Boad) announced on its twitter account that it had obtained financing of four hundred and ninety-one billion CFA francs following a bond loan issued by the financial institution. This success achieved by the bank in financing projects with a strong social and environmental impact is historic in its life.

“A major first for the West African Development Bank (Boad), which has just carried out the first bond issue in its history with a sustainable objective. 750 million euros raised from more than 260 international investors for projects with strong social and environmental impacts?”, indicated Moustapha Ben Barka, vice-president of the West African Development Bank.

This environmental issue of four hundred and ninety-one billion CFA francs with a maturity of twelve years attracted more than two hundred and sixty international investors, specifies the institution. In detail, 40% come from the United Kingdom, 40% from Europe, 17% from the United States, 2% from Asia and 1% from the Middle East, including 75% from asset managers and 21% institutional investors, namely banks, insurance companies and pension funds. It was subscribed six times with a total demand amounting to 4.4 billion euros.

“Out of 4.4 billion euros of intentions coming from 260 international investors, we retained 750 million euros (491 billion CFA francs) with a maturity of 12 years at 2.75%. Congratulations to the teams for this success. This investor confidence honors us and obliges us?” rejoices Serge Ekoué, President of the West African Development Bank. According to his explanations, the institution he leads is encouraged by the tremendous welcome the team has received from investors. The very high quality of the order book and the high level of subscription bear witness to investors' adherence to the bank's vision and their confidence in the prospects for growth and prosperity in the UEMOA zone. The bond issue by Boad is part of a "Sustainability Bond Framework", committing the institution to the financing of projects with strong social and environmental impacts.

The financial resources thus mobilized strengthen the bank's capacity for action in priority sectors such as agriculture, food security, renewable energies, basic infrastructure, health, education and social housing. It should be recalled that the operation is part of the vision of the Djoliba strategic plan, which aims to accelerate the economic transformation of West African countries and in particular those of UEMOA, in particular through the implementation of ambitious regional and national development programs. La Boad is aware of the importance of the role it must play in this process. This is why, in keeping with its mission, it will continue to adapt its strategy to promote investment and support structural change.