Stanbic Bank Calls for Bankable Energy Projects to Attract Strategic Investors

The Head of Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Mr. Kobby Bentil-Enchill, has underscored the need for the development of bankable energy projects as a critical step toward attracting strategic investors into Ghana’s energy sector.

Speaking in an interview with our business desk on the sidelines of the West Africa Energy Corporation Summit in Accra, Mr. Bentil-Enchill stressed that investor confidence depends largely on the existence of a robust regulatory and legal framework that safeguards investor interests and promotes transparency.

“There must be a regulatory or legal framework that protects investor rights, ensures investors have access to information when they need it, and guarantees that projects can generate sustainable cash flows,” he said.

According to him, the ability of projects to generate predictable cash flows is fundamental to meeting investor expectations, whether the financing structure is debt or equity.

“If it’s debt, you have to pay interest over time and eventually return the capital. If it’s equity, investors expect dividends, and at some point, they may choose to exit by selling to another investor. In most cases, however, investors in energy projects are primarily looking at debt-based project financing,” Mr. Bentil-Enchill explained.

He further noted that beyond project fundamentals, foreign investors are particularly concerned about macroeconomic stability in host countries.

“When you speak to foreign investors, they want assurance that inflation is under control and interest rates are at reasonable levels. This is important because, in addition to capital investment, projects often require working capital, which should be accessible locally at affordable rates to ensure sustainability,” he said.

Mr. Bentil-Enchill also highlighted currency stability as a key consideration for international investors, warning that excessive currency depreciation can significantly erode investment value.

“Investors want to be confident that when they make an investment today, the currency will maintain its value over time,” he stated.

He added that addressing these concerns would not only attract foreign capital but also strengthen domestic investor confidence, ultimately supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of Ghana’s energy sector.

The West Africa Energy Corporation Summit brought together policymakers, financiers, and industry players to discuss investment opportunities and policy reforms needed to unlock energy development across the sub-region.