On 2 November 2026, in Paris, the West African Development Bank (BOAD) received its certificate of conformity with ISO 37001:2025 for its anti-bribery management system. To our knowledge, this is the first time a development bank has had its integrity programme certified to this standard.
Demanding recognition
ISO 37001 certification is awarded after an independent audit. It confirms that an organisation has put in place a comprehensive system to prevent, detect and address bribery, and that this system works in practice. The system covers leadership commitment, risk assessment, due diligence on third parties, controls, training, whistleblowing and continual improvement.
For BOAD, the certification crowns years of sustained effort. The Bank has adopted a policy to prevent and combat corruption and fraud, a whistleblower protection policy and a sanctions framework, all under a zero-tolerance approach. The certification confirms that these commitments are applied day to day.
A matter of trust
A development bank manages public resources and international funding for major projects. Its credibility depends on the trust of member states, investors, donors and the communities it serves. Certification by an accredited third party provides objective, verifiable proof that this trust is well placed.
A ripple effect across the ecosystem
The standard requires organisations to manage the bribery risks posed by their business associates. Its effects therefore reach beyond the institution itself.
Private-sector applicants for financing undergo integrity checks proportionate to the risk and make anti-bribery commitments. For them, having their own compliance programme becomes a real asset.
Service providers and suppliers are vetted and commit contractually to anti-bribery rules. They can also report any suspicious solicitation. Procurement becomes more transparent and fairer, which benefits companies that play by the rules.
In this way, the Bank becomes a driver of business integrity across the region.
Leading the way
BOAD shows that the most demanding international standards fully apply to development finance institutions. We hope its example will inspire other banks, in Africa and beyond.
The whole EuroCompliance team congratulates BOAD’s President, its integrity teams and all the staff whose commitment made this achievement possible.
EuroCompliance is a certification body accredited by Cofrac (No. 4-0599, scope available at www.cofrac.fr), specialising in anti-bribery and compliance management systems.