The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has granted a $10 million credit facility to Vista Bank Sierra Leone, marking a significant boost for the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Signed on October 27, 2025, the agreement reflects EBID’s strategic commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth across West Africa. According to EBID President Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, SMEs are the backbone of regional development, and this funding aims to unlock their potential in key sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, and local manufacturing. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability in member states.
Vista Bank Sierra Leone intends to channel the funds toward expanding its lending portfolio, with a strong emphasis on empowering women-led businesses and young entrepreneurs. By improving access to finance for underserved groups, the bank hopes to stimulate innovation, job creation, and community-level development. The facility is expected to support productive sectors that contribute directly to food security, value chain enhancement, and economic diversification. This targeted approach aligns with national priorities and ECOWAS’s regional vision for inclusive prosperity.
The partnership between EBID and Vista Bank underscores a shared commitment to financial inclusion and private sector empowerment. It also highlights the role of regional financial institutions in bridging funding gaps and catalyzing grassroots enterprise. As Sierra Leone continues to rebuild and modernize its economy, this injection of capital arrives at a critical moment, offering entrepreneurs the resources needed to scale operations and contribute meaningfully to national progress. The move is widely seen as a vote of confidence in Sierra Leone’s economic potential and a step toward a more dynamic and equitable future.