Brussels, 26/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) will celebrate the launch of its investment facility on Monday 2 June in Luxembourg. This facility will consist of EUR 2.2 bn for the 77 ACP countries (Africa/Caribbean/Pacific) who are signatories to the Cotonou Agreement. This funding will be for helping development in the private sector in ACP countries via a financial mechanism created by the Cotonou Agreement (replacing the venture capital and interest bonus system included in the Lomé Convention). EURT 13.5 bn from the 9th EDF for 2000-2005 (mote than EUR 10 bn of the balance from previous EDF). The launch ceremony will take place in the presence of the European institutions, Member States and ACP countries. The President of Senegal Abdoulaye Wade and Leny Mwai Kibaki, President of Kenya will also be taking part as guests of honour.