NEWS Ecobank Group Celebrates Landmark 20th Anniversary Posted by on Nov 16, 2008, 14:22

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, (ETI) parent company of the Ecobank Group, celebrated its landmark 20^th anniversary today, breaking ground on the construction of its new headquarters building in Lome. The Togolese capital has been home to the pan-African bank since it commenced operations in 1988.

Presiding over the foundation laying ceremony, Togolese President Faure Essozimna Ggnassingbe commended the group for its unqualified success in providing banking services to so many millions across the continent. “It is gratifying to see that Ecobank, which had its modest beginnings right here in our capital city two decades ago has since grown into the truly continental banking institution that it is today.”

Mr. Mandé Sidibé, Chairman of the Ecobank Group Board, thanked President Gnassingbe and the government and people of Togo for their hospitality. “Over the last twenty years, the Ecobank Group has been able to surmount considerable challenges to become the continent’s first pan-African bank. We’re proud of the accomplishments we have made. With a staff of over 10,000 professionals from 29 different African nations, we now operate in 25 African countries and are still growing.” Sidibé credited the bank’s success to “our dynamic staff and especially the founders of the bank for their extraordinary vision and determination.” A good number of these founders and other long-serving or retired staff were on hand to mark the occasion, among them Ecobank Honorary Lifetime President Gervais Koffi Djondo.

Speaking on behalf of President Gnassingbe and the host government, Mr. Guy Madjé Lorenzo, Minister in charge of Commerce and Private Sector Promotion said, “making these four hectares of land available to ETI for their new headquarters reflects the Togolese government’s wish that staff of the group conduct their work in the best possible working environment.”

Overlooking Togo’s Atlantic coastline, the ETI’s new headquarters will be an ultra-modern architectural edifice. The seven-story office building features a state of the art conference centre, an advanced technology and telecommunications centre, and a banking training facility among others.

At a formal lunch following the foundation laying ceremony, Prime Minister Gilbert Fossoum Houngo of Togo commended Ecobank’s management and staff for their continued commitment to the integration of African countries. “The question of integration is an acute problem. Ecobank should pursue its efforts and not be discouraged because of frustrations along the way.”

The bank capped its celebrations with a gala dinner for founders and staff at Lome’s Palais des Congres. It honoured founding members as well as employees who had spent 20 years or more in its service. Guests were also treated to a sneak preview of a new company logo due to be formally launched in January. This is part of a group-wide rebranding initiative that reflects the institution’s new energy and direction as it ushers in 2009.

Group Chief Executive Officer Arnold Ekpe, captured the palpable enthusiasm and passion of his fellow Ecobankers. “Africa is experiencing positive change. Ecobank is part of that change. We already feel part and parcel of the renaissance and growth that is taking place on the continent. Ecobankers are ardent believers in Africa. As we say, Ecobank does not have a strategy for Africa. Africa is our strategy.”