Ecobank Group has marked 40 years of operations with events in Lomé, Togo, including the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honouring its founding members and a gala celebration attended by senior officials, business leaders and partners.
The anniversary events recognised the seventy original shareholders from ten Economic Community of West African States member countries whose efforts led to the establishment of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated in 1985.
The plaque unveiling ceremony was held on December 4 at Ecobank Group’s headquarters in Lomé and brought together some of the bank’s founding members.
Speaking at the event, Group Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Awori said the monument symbolises the institution’s origins and future mission.
“This Plaque is a lasting tribute to the seventy Founders who dared to imagine a Pan-African bank when such a vision seemed impossible. It connects our origins in Togo to our presence today across Africa, and it reminds every Ecobanker of the important mission we carry into the future,” he said.
The plaque bears the names of the seventy founding shareholders whose vision was to create an African-owned financial institution serving the continent’s needs while promoting regional integration.
Group Chairman Papa Madiaw Ndiaye also described the monument as a reminder of responsibility and institutional continuity.
“The Founders’ Plaque stands as a permanent recognition of the men and women whose courage, unity and determination built Ecobank. It is also a symbol of our governance and institutional continuity, and a reminder to future generations of the responsibility to safeguard and advance the mission entrusted to us,” he said.
Representing the founders and their families, Fogan Sossah expressed appreciation to Ecobank’s leadership, employees and partners for sustaining the institution over four decades.
“The Monument inspires the next generation to carry the torch forward, to uphold unity, integrity and service to Africa,”
“The Founders planted the seed; it is now our collective duty to ensure the tree continues to grow.”
Ecobank further hosted a gala at Hôtel 2 Février, where founding members were honoured and awards were presented to high-performing Ecobank entities.
Long-serving employees were also recognised for their commitment to the institution.
Ecobank opened its first affiliate in Lomé in 1988 and has since expanded into a financial network operating in thirty-two African countries, with an affiliate in France and international offices in major global financial centres. The bank says its footprint positions it as a key link between African businesses, governments and communities.
