UK funds six new hospitals for 1 million people in Ivory Coast – News

UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government’s export credit agency, has loaned € 241 million for a € 326 million project to build six hospitals in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa. West, with NMS Infrastructure Ltd., headquartered in the UK.

The hospitals will serve a catchment area of ​​over one million people, and will be built in Bouaké, Boundiali, Katiola, Kouto, Minignan and Ouangolodougou.

The financing, a mixture of buyer credit and direct loan to the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene of Côte d’Ivoire, will finance the design and construction, equipment, post-completion training and technical assistance. .

“This record-breaking UKEF installation in West Africa demonstrates the UK government’s strong commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth on the African continent†says Emma Wade-Smith, the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa.

“This provides another example of the positive impact British businesses are having, working in partnership with governments and the private sector in Africa to drive growth, investment and job creation.”

Japan’s largest bank, MUFG Bank, was chosen as the preferred lender and commissioned lead for the financing of the project.

The British firm GKB Ventures has been appointed advisor to the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Côte d’Ivoire to lead the tendering process.

Construction of the hospitals has already started and is expected to be completed in 2024.

Image Title: Bouaké, Ivory Coast (arno B / CC BY 3.0)