The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has been honoured with the “Outstanding Sustainable Project Financing” Award at the Sustainable Finance Awards 2026 for its financing of the Kano-Maradi Railway Project, a transformative infrastructure initiative designed to strengthen regional integration and economic development in West Africa.
The award was presented during the Sustainable Finance Awards and Recognition Ceremony held alongside the Global Sustainable Finance Conference (GSFC 2026) on 27-28 August 2026 in Karlsruhe, Germany.
According to Arshad Rab, Chairman of the International Council of Sustainability Standards for Value-Driven Financial Institutions and CEO of the European Organisation for Sustainable Development, EBID’s support for the Kano-Maradi Railway demonstrates the critical role that regional development finance institutions play in advancing economic transformation and regional connectivity.
EBID is supporting the project through a US$180 million line of credit to Mota-Engil Nigeria. The railway will connect northern Nigeria to the Republic of Niger, facilitating the movement of people and goods, lowering transport costs, strengthening trade corridors, and creating new opportunities for investment and economic growth across the region.
Mr. Rab congratulated Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, as well as the Bank’s Board, Management, and Staff for this achievement. He expressed confidence that the recognition would encourage the Bank to further leverage its regional mandate and financial capabilities to support transformational investments that enhance regional value chains and deepen economic integration in West Africa.
The 393-kilometre Kano-Maradi standard-gauge railway, expected to be completed by the end of 2026, will transport an estimated 9,300 passengers and 3,000 tonnes of freight daily. By improving connectivity between Nigeria and Niger, the project will contribute significantly to regional trade, competitiveness, and sustainable economic development.
This international recognition reaffirms EBID’s commitment to financing high-impact infrastructure projects that promote sustainable development, regional integration, and shared prosperity across West Africa.
