Founded a quarter of a century after African countries gained independence, Ecobank emerged at a time when banking across the continent was still largely dominated by former colonial powers. Leaders from English-, Portuguese-, and French-speaking chambers of commerce, together with the Ecowas Fund, brought together 70 visionaries from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo to establish a bank run by Africans, for Africans.
The anniversary celebrations paid warm tribute to the founding fathers. Togolese Koffi Gervais Djondo, one of the giants of African banking, was present at the gala dinner alongside the late Nigerian Adeyemi O. Lawson. Together, with the support of West African presidents, the Ecowas Fund, and entrepreneurs from ten countries, they realised a dream that once seemed impossible.
Ecobank's story is one of exceptional success despite inevitable challenges. The anniversary brought together former and current presidents, managing directors, directors, and senior executives who have shaped the bank into an institution that inspires pride across Africa. Today, Ecobank operates in 38 countries, with a growing presence internationally.
