…This deal represents an important milestone for the continent’s multilateral development banks (MDBs), as it constitutes the longest euro-denominated benchmark bond ever issued by an African MDB
TUE OCT 21 2025-theGBJournal| The West African Development Bank (BOAD) has reached a new milestone by successfully completing a historic bond issuance of EUR1 billion with a 15-year maturity on the international capital market.
BOAD, the common development finance institution of the member countries of the West African Monetary Union (WAMU) said, the deal drew strong investor interest, generating a record EUR 2.7 billion order book.
”This robust appetite enabled a 35-basis point spread tightening, resulting in a high yield coupon of 6.25%. The success of this issuance reflects investors’ high level of confidence in BOAD’s strong credit rating and the growth opportunities of WAEMU.”
This is further illustrated by the high quality and diversity of the final allocation: a strong European presence, with investors from the United Kingdom and Ireland accounting for 49% of the allocation, followed by the DACH region-the German speaking countries-Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (23%), the United States (13%), the rest of Europe (10%), the Middle East (4%) and Asia (1%).
As per investor type, asset managers represented 74% of the allocation, hedge funds 14%, followed by banks and private banks 7%, pension funds/insurers 3%, and central banks 1%.
This deal represents an important milestone for the continent’s multilateral development banks (MDBs), as it constitutes the longest euro-denominated benchmark bond ever issued by an African MDB.
Proceeds will be allocated to priority high-impact projects across WAEMU. The exceptional 15-year maturity is well aligned with the nature of these investments—essential for the long-term development of member economies—and fully consistent with the Bank’s mission and the goals of its strategic plan.
Mr. Serge Ekue, President of BOAD, while commenting on the deal said ”This is more than a financial achievement; it is a clear recognition of BOAD’s creditworthiness and business model. Above all, it strengthens our resolve to extend what can be achieved in a challenging environment.”
According to Ekue, the historic EUR 1 billion bond with a 15-year maturity, further strengthens the Bank’s capacity to finance the sustainable development of our member countries.
”I would like to acknowledge the crucial role of the banking syndicate—BNP, J.P. Morgan, Natixis and SMBC—as well as the legal advisers, in making this landmark deal successful. I would also like to thank our shareholders and partners for their unwavering support to our mission.”
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