On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the European Union (EU) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced a significant collaboration.
This partnership aims to accelerate sustainable investments by leveraging combined resources and expertise.
They plan to support six Sub-Saharan African nations: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal, emphasizing regional development and green growth.
The EU in Nigeria’s official Twitter account confirmed the partnership, emphasizing its goal to stimulate economic growth across the region.
Under this initiative, the EU will allocate €15 million to fund technical assistance for projects in vital sectors like agribusiness, energy, infrastructure, and digital technology. These efforts align with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to mobilize €300 billion in high-quality investments worldwide by 2027. By targeting these key industries, the partnership seeks to lay the groundwork for long-term economic stability.
This agreement represents a major milestone for the EBRD as it extends its operations into Sub-Saharan Africa.
The funding will enable feasibility studies and preparatory work, laying the groundwork for future investments and fostering regional growth.
This collaboration aims to address urgent economic challenges while actively promoting sustainable development. Consequently, it ensures long-term stability and progress in the region.
EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso praised the agreement, emphasizing that it marks a critical step towards initiating efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa. She highlighted that, with EU support, they will establish favorable market conditions, unlocking new investment opportunities in key sectors. This strategy is designed to accelerate economic development throughout the entire region.
She emphasized the EBRD’s dedication to promoting green and inclusive economies, ensuring alignment with worldwide sustainability goals.
European Commissioner Jozef Síkela stressed the initiative’s transformative power, stating that collaboration with EBRD and African partners fuels sustainable growth through strategic investments.
He explained that the €15 million technical assistance supports projects, encourages private sector expansion, and stimulates regional economic activity.
Moreover, this stable investment framework seeks to attract long-term funding, addressing urgent regional needs and fostering sustainable development.
This partnership exemplifies the EU’s commitment to global cooperation, economic resilience, and sustainability, integrating resources and expertise effectively. Ultimately, this initiative will empower millions, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to Africa’s sustainable development.
Through strategic investments and collaborative efforts, the EU and EBRD are setting the stage for lasting prosperity in Sub-Saharan Africa. This move signals a new era of economic opportunity and strengthened ties between Europe and the continent.
