By Bamidele Famoofo
WorldStage— Odile Renaud Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), will sign its first ever investments deal with the private sector in Senegal.
Senegal is a lower-middle income and least developed country in the region. Comparatively, it measures a tenth of Nigeria’s GDP and half of Ghana’s GDP.
During the visit, which represents an important milestone in the Bank’s expansion into sub Saharan Africa, the President will open an office in Dakar – the Bank’s first office in the country – establishing a permanent presence to support investments and policy dialogue in Senegal.
The visit will also see the rollout of the EBRD’s Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) Finance and Development (F&D) programme in the country, aimed at strengthening local enterprises and supporting entrepreneurship. Through a combination of advisory services, access to finance and engagement with the broader business ecosystem, the Bank will support the development and competitiveness of Senegal’s SMEs.
President Renaud Basso is also expected to meet senior officials, as well as private-sector representatives and international development partners, to discuss Senegal’s economic priorities and opportunities to mobilise investment in support of sustainable growth. She will also sign agreements for the Bank’s first private-sector investments in the country.
Odile Renaud Basso said: “I am very pleased to be visiting Senegal, a country with dynamic private-sector opportunities. The opening of our office in Dakar will enable us to work closely with our partners to support investment, strengthen local businesses and contribute to sustainable economic development.”
The President will be joined on her visit by Heike Harmgart, the EBRD’s Managing Director for Sub Saharan Africa, and Khalil Dinguizli, its Head of Senegal.
Senegal became an EBRD shareholder and a country of operation in 2025 as part of the Bank’s strategic investment in sub Saharan Africa, with a focus on supporting private sector-led growth, strengthening institutions and advancing sustainable infrastructure.
