Modern facility unveiled in Abidjan to strengthen anti-money laundering efforts
Abidjan, 12 August 2026 – Adama Coulibaly, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, officially inaugurated and handed over the keys to the new headquarters of the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in the Two-Plateaux district of Abidjan.
A strategic move to combat financial crime
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Coulibaly emphasized the significance of the event: « This inauguration represents the delivery of a fully equipped modern facility dedicated to supporting GIABA’s mission. It demonstrates our government’s unwavering commitment to combating financial crime by providing a professional platform for knowledge sharing and expertise in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures. »
The government of Côte d’Ivoire and GIABA formalized their agreement on 29 March 2014 in Yamoussoukro, during the 44th ECOWAS summit. This decision aligned with the resolutions of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers’ 65th session held on 26 November 2010 in Abuja, Nigeria, which called for the establishment of two information centers to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. One center was designated for Anglophone countries in Lagos, Nigeria, while the other was assigned to Francophone and Lusophone nations in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Government praises progress in financial crime prevention
Minister Coulibaly highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s achievements under GIABA’s guidance: « Through GIABA’s support, Côte d’Ivoire has successfully implemented its national action plan to strengthen anti-money laundering systems well ahead of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) deadline set for October 2024. » He urged all stakeholders to intensify their involvement in initiatives that disrupt financial networks and dry up criminal funding sources.
Edwin Harris Junior, GIABA Director General, expressed his appreciation: « This development reflects the trust placed in our organization and the Ivorian authorities’ dedication to enhancing regional mechanisms for combating transnational crime. » He extended his gratitude to H.E. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and his government for their steadfast support, which has significantly reinforced GIABA’s institutional presence in the country.
New center to boost regional cooperation against financial crime
General Idrissa Touré, President of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF), emphasized the center’s potential: « This facility will drive a new era of collaboration, knowledge-sharing and action. As a regional hub, it will serve Francophone and Lusophone states by promoting awareness, training, research, documentation and communication in the fight against financial crime. »
The ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Planning and Development, as well as the Liberian Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire and representatives from UNDP and UNICEF.