West African Development Bank (BOAD) has inaugurated the new premises of its resident mission in Dakar, Senegal, marking another step in strengthening its integration within the Senegalese economy and the UEMOA region.

BOAD was previously located at the premises of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) where it operated from for 30 years.

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Senegal is the bank’s second-largest country of exposure in terms of financial commitments.

The inauguration ceremony attracted institutional leaders, public and private sector partners, as well as representatives of the financial sector, with BOAD officials describing the new office as more than just a relocation, but a symbol of the bank’s growing commitment to regional development.

Remarking at the inauguration ceremony, BOAD President, Mr Serge Ekué, described the development as a symbol of the financial institution’s commitment to deepening economic relations with member countries.

According to Mr. Ekué, BOAD remains a social and societal actor that must be at the heart of the real lives of people of the region, while also emphasising the bank’s commitment to expanding partnership with the Senegal private sector.

He also reiterated the bank’s primary mission which aims at a tangible improvement of living conditions of people of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

“We work extensively with the public sector, but we also aim to collaborate more and more with the private sector. Hence the choice of this new space, which will allow us to welcome our partners, clients, shareholders, and investors in an environment characterised by simplicity, transparency, efficiency, and professionalism.

“There’s nothing flashy here. These premises simply reflect our commitment to working closely with entrepreneurs, creators, and the Senegalese government to support the country’s development.

“We must establish teams here in Senegal capable of supporting the country’s ambitions over the next 20, 30, or 50 years,” he said.

Continuing, Ekué restated the institution’s development focus, which he listed to include; addressing infrastructure, energy, and social housing deficits, as well as challenges related to health and digital technology..

The BOAD President also presented the main points of the new 2026-2030 strategic plan, entitled “Djoliba, the sequel.”

The institution plans to allocate CFA 6.5 trillion to back the project, nearly double the previous programme.

In an international context marked by dwindling financing and geopolitical tensions, Ekué affirmed that the BOAD intends to fully play its role as the ‘financial arm’ of the WAEMU member states.

Also remarking, the bank’s National Director for Senegal, Mr. François Etienne Dethie Sene, said the inauguration further reflects BOAD’s growth and the strengthening of regional cooperation aimed at building a ‘more integrated, resilient and prosperous’ UEMOA region.