Côte d'Ivoire's economic attractiveness is gaining momentum. Senate President Kandia Camara held a strategic meeting on Monday with a delegation from the Union of African Banks and Enterprises (UBAE). This initial contact, described as "very fruitful," marks the beginning of an ambitious financial collaboration.

Abidjan, future West African hub of the UBAE

A rapidly expanding pan-African financial institution, UBAE is targeting Côte d'Ivoire as its future natural gateway to West Africa. Driven by the country's macroeconomic stability and regional leadership, the bank is no longer hiding its ambitions: to establish a physical presence there and make it its nerve center for the sub-region, and then for the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.

“After our discussions with the President of the Senate, we are convinced that this is a good choice, a good opportunity. We have seen the potential of Côte d'Ivoire.” — Spokesperson for the UBAE

Targeted investments in key sectors

While confidential details were not disclosed, the discussions provided an opportunity to review the priority growth drivers of the Ivorian economy. The UBAE stated its readiness to deploy its expertise and financial tools to support the government in strategic areas such as:

1. Major infrastructure and transport;
2. Energy and the digital transition;
3. Agricultural development.

The delegation also wished to commend the quality of the reception and the strong political will of the Ivorian authorities, key factors in facilitating private investment.

A partnership to meet the challenges of growth

Beyond the opportunities, UBAE's leaders are clear-sighted about the realities of the Ivorian market. Recognizing that the country faces a "major economic challenge"—particularly related to the expectations of a young population regarding employment and services—the institution proposes a co-development approach.

Next step: Bank representatives have already announced a future working visit. This second, more technical round should formalize the first concrete steps of their deployment in Ivory Coast.