Bridging economies through experience: insights from sub-Saharan Africa and other EBRD regions

As the EBRD deepens its presence in sub‑Saharan Africa (SSA), this panel reflects on the Bank’s experience of extending its work into new regions and adapting its business model in diverse economic, political and cultural contexts. Drawing on institutional learning accumulated from emerging Europe and Central Asia to the southern and eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region, the discussion will explore how the EBRD has applied its investment and policy dialogue approach to delivering impact in new locations. The panel will consider how these insights are shaping the Bank’s partnerships and activities in SSA as it builds effective and impactful long-term engagement in the region. The discussion will take place at a moment when the Bank can reflect on nearly 15 years of experience in SEMED alongside its first year of full operations in SSA, making this exchange particularly timely. Speakers: Nancy Kacungira, Journalist and Moderator Odile Renaud-Basso, President, EBRD Zeina Toukan, EBRD Governor and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Jordan Leslie Maasdorp, CEO, British International Investment Aminu Umar-Sadiq, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority