Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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
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
