Collins Sefa Ecobank Group, Africa’s leading Pan-African banking institution, has marked a historic milestone as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, commemorating four decades of innovation, regional integration and impact across the continent.
The anniversary activities, held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honouring the seventy visionaries who founded the bank, as well as a gala evening that brought together distinguished guests from across Africa and beyond.
The plaque unveiling ceremony took place at the Ecobank Group Headquarters in Lomé, Togo, and was attended by some of the bank’s founding members, executives, employees and partners. The event paid tribute to the founders’ bold vision and determination to establish a truly Pan-African financial institution at a time when such an idea was considered ambitious.
Speaking at the ceremony, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Group, Jeremy Awori, described the plaque as a powerful symbol of the bank’s origins and enduring 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,” he said. “It connects our beginnings in Togo to our presence today across Africa, and it reminds every Ecobanker of the responsibility we carry into the future.”
The commemorative plaque bears the names of the seventy original shareholders from ten ECOWAS member states whose collective conviction in 1985 led to the establishment of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI). Their shared ambition was to create a world-class, African-owned bank that would serve the continent’s financial needs while strengthening regional economic integration.
Group Chairman of Ecobank, Papa Madiaw Ndiaye, paid tribute to the founders’ enduring legacy, describing the monument as both a symbol of gratitude and a reminder of institutional responsibility.
“The Founders’ Plaque stands as a permanent recognition of the men and women whose courage, unity and determination built Ecobank,” he said. “It is also a symbol of governance continuity and a reminder to future generations of the responsibility to safeguard and advance the mission entrusted to us.”
Representing the founders and their families, Fogan Sossah expressed appreciation to Ecobank’s leadership, employees and partners for preserving and strengthening the institution over the past four decades.
“The monument inspires the next generation to carry the torch forward, upholding unity, integrity and service to Africa,” he said. “The founders planted the seed; it is now our collective duty to ensure the tree continues to grow.”
Later in the evening, Ecobank hosted a gala celebration at Hôtel 2 Février in Lomé, attended by senior government officials, business leaders, partners and other stakeholders. The event featured official speeches, artistic performances and moments of recognition.
Special tributes were paid to the founding members, while awards were presented to Ecobank affiliates that achieved notable distinctions during the year. The ceremony also recognised long-serving employees, reflecting the bank’s appreciation for loyalty, dedication and institutional memory.
Since opening its first affiliate in Lomé in 1988, Ecobank has grown into a continent-wide financial network, operating in 32 African countries, with an affiliate in France and international offices in major global financial centres. Today, Ecobank plays a pivotal role in connecting African businesses, governments and communities, reinforcing its founding vision of driving Africa’s economic integration and development.
