(BIDC - EBID) - The President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, Dr George Agyekum Donkor received the “Development Champion Award” during the recently ended 9^th edition of the Rebranding Africa Forum, in Brussels, Belgium. The event, held from October 20 to 21, 2023 brought together high-level government officials and international business leaders to discuss the extraordinary development of African financial systems over the past twenty years.

The award was presented in recognition of Dr Donkor’s contributions to socio-economic development, especially the initiatives undertaken by EBID under his leadership. With Dr Donkor at the helm, the Bank has deployed about USD 1.5 billion to various projects and programs in key sectors, such as health, energy, technology and education, across the sub-region since 2020. The market has responded positively to the recent achievements of EBID, allowing the Bank to successfully mobilise over USD 1 billion in resources and boost its capital from USD 1.5 billion to USD 3.5 billion.

During the program, Dr Donkor delivered a keynote address on the theme: "Evolving African Financial Systems: Reconciling Authenticity and Modernity - Pathways towards Financial Inclusion." He emphasised that achieving comprehensive financial inclusion in Africa requires the harmonisation of traditional financial systems with contemporary approaches to reach underserved communities. He called for the adoption of a multifaceted approach founded on collaboration, innovation, and technology as key components. In conclusion, he urged governments, financial institutions, and development partners to enhance their collaboration to build a more conducive environment for financial inclusion throughout the continent.

The prestigious ceremony was attended by high-level dignitaries, including His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Honourable Andre Flahaut, Minister of State, Kingdom of Belgium, and Mr. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).