Confederation of Sahel States Investment Bank to Launch with Over $820m Initial Capital

The Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) has taken a significant step towards economic independence with the announcement of the Confederated Bank for Investment and Development. The new financial institution will launch with an initial capital of 500 billion CFA francs (approximately $820 million, aimed at funding key infrastructure and development projects across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting at the Koulouba Palace in Bamako, chaired by Mali’s President, General Assimi Goïta. The Minister of Economy and Finance, Alhusseini Sanou, highlighted that the bank will be a powerful tool for financing strategic infrastructure, boosting trade, and promoting joint economic initiatives.

This financial institution will support priority development projects and ensure greater autonomy in terms of external financing,” Sanou stated.

The CSS bank will focus on funding transport, energy, agriculture, and industrial projects to foster regional economic integration and sustainable growth. One of its main goals is to reduce dependence on international financial institutions and allow member countries to make more independent economic decisions.

A key initiative discussed at the meeting was the development of a unified CSS Customs Code, which will simplify trade regulations and create a single customs area to facilitate the free movement of goods and capital.

Additionally, several large-scale infrastructure projects are in the pipeline, including a new railway connecting Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to enhance trade and mobility—a joint airline which will improve regional air connectivity and boost economic exchanges.

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