The West African Development Bank (BOAD) and the World Bank Group are set to strengthen their collaboration to better prevent and combat fraud, corruption, and other practices that may compromise the integrity of operations financed by both institutions. A memorandum of understanding was signed in Washington on 2 September 2026 between the heads of their respective integrity functions.
The agreement is intended, in particular, to enable the two institutions to better coordinate their efforts in terms of detection and investigation. It provides a framework for collaboration that allows for the sharing of useful information, discussion on cases of mutual interest, and the strengthening of professional practices utilized in investigations related to fraud and corruption.
See also- The BOAD and the SFI consolidate their cooperation to accelerate the financing of structural projects in West Africa
For the BOAD, the challenge lies in particular in protecting the resources dedicated to financing development in West Africa. Its General Inspectorate and the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) of the World Bank Group each possess independent functions dedicated to oversight, prevention, and investigations.
The closer relationship between these two structures should thus foster the flow of relevant intelligence and the sharing of investigative methods and feedback, within the limits of the rules governing their respective interventions.
‘'The signing of this agreement marks an important step in the BOAD strategy aimed at strengthening international cooperation regarding integrity'', stated Adama Papa Sacko, Inspector General of the BOAD. According to him, this partnership should contribute to consolidating the institution's prevention, detection, and investigation capabilities, with the objective of protecting resources intended for development and promoting a zero-tolerance policy toward fraud and corruption.
See also- Ivory Coast: 25 projects for a portfolio of 6,3 billion USD with the World Bank
This closer relationship with the World Bank Group constitutes the second agreement concluded by the BOAD with a multilateral development bank in this field. It follows the one signed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (BERD) in July 2025, a sign of the expansion of the West African bank's cooperation with its international counterparts on integrity issues.
The Integrity Vice Presidency of the World Bank Group is an independent unit responsible for investigating acts of fraud and corruption that may affect operations financed by the Group, as well as conducting prevention actions and strengthening integrity mechanisms. For its part, the BOAD, a joint development finance institution of the member states of the West African Monetary Union, intervenes in the financing of projects intended to support economic development and regional integration.
Fanuelle YAO
Published on 08/10/26 12:21
The Editorial Staff