(EBID ) - The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has convened a capacity‑building workshop from 31 March to 2 April 2026 in Lomé for members of its Gender Equality Committee. The session was conducted as part of the rollout of the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions (GES-PI), in partnership with the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa.

The GES-PI is an internationally recognised framework that supports public institutions in systematically integrating gender equality into their policies, governance structures, and operational practices. Through this programme, EBID reaffirms its commitment to positioning gender inclusion as a strategic driver of institutional transformation and its development mandate, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Dr Francis Ezin, Director of Administration and General Services of the Bank, who opened the workshop, indicated EBID's commitment to elevating gender parity and youth empowerment as core priorities as the Bank prepares to roll out its new GRO Strategy (2026–2030).

Participants received training on the tools and methodologies required to conduct the institutional self‑assessment prescribed by the Seal. The sessions focused on identifying existing gaps, strengthening internal capacities, and designing improvement strategies across five key areas: planning and management for gender equality; institutional architecture and capacities; enabling work environment; participation, partnerships, and accountability; and the impact of public policies.

The workshop also aided the identification of concrete entry points to deepen gender mainstreaming across the Bank’s operations, consistent with UN system‑wide gender mainstreaming principles and the CEDAW framework. Participants also endorsed a strategic approach for continued technical collaboration with UNDP.

EBID will soon undertake its institutional self‑assessment, an essential step toward developing an ambitious action plan to advance gender equality, enhance women’s participation in governance, and strengthen the Bank’s contribution to inclusive and equitable development across the ECOWAS region.