This groundbreaking bond issue, the first of its kind by a Multilateral Development Bank, is designed to bolster the bank's capital base, support its credit rating, and thereby safeguard its ability to access international financing at competitive rates. The hybrid structure provides substantial leverage, enabling EUR400 million in new financing for our member countries and local economies without compromising the bank’s financial ratios, competitiveness, or its ability to offer financing at favorable terms. The funds will be allocated to the construction and rehabilitation of electricity generation infrastructure from renewable sources. This will provide access to electricity for hundreds of thousands of citizens, diversify the energy mix, reduce CO2 emissions, and lower energy production costs across the WAEMU member countries. This EUR100 million operation, with a focus on climate change mitigation in West Africa, is part of the sustainability bond issues initiated by BOAD in 2021. The agreement was signed today, August 2, 2024, at the headquarters of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli, the President of BOAD, Serge EKUE, and the CEO of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, Dario Scannapieco.