Ivorian Minister Inaugurates state-of-the-art anti-money laundering facility
The capital of Côte d’Ivoire played host to a landmark event on August 12, 2026, as Adama Coulibaly, Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, officially opened and handed over the keys to the new headquarters of the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in Abidjan’s Deux-Plateaux district.
During the ceremony, Minister Coulibaly emphasized that this modern, fully equipped facility represents more than just a building—it embodies Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in combating financial crime. « This infrastructure will serve as a hub for exchanging expertise and best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, » he stated, highlighting the government’s proactive stance in supporting GIABA’s mission.
Historical context behind the new GIABA headquarters
The decision to establish a GIABA presence in Abidjan dates back to 2010, when the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, during its 65th session in Abuja, Nigeria, resolved to create two regional information centers dedicated to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. One center was designated for English-speaking countries in Lagos, while the other—assigned to francophone and lusophone nations—was allocated to Abidjan. This strategic move was formalized in a headquarters agreement signed in Yamoussoukro on March 29, 2014, by Côte d’Ivoire and GIABA.
Côte d’Ivoire’s progress in financial crime prevention
Minister Coulibaly proudly noted that, with GIABA’s support, Côte d’Ivoire has successfully implemented its national action plan—originally adopted in October 2024—to enhance its anti-money laundering framework well ahead of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) deadline. He urged all stakeholders to intensify collaboration, stressing the importance of cutting off financial lifelines to criminal networks.
Edwin Harris Junior, GIABA Director General, praised Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership, stating, « The establishment of this facility underscores the trust placed in our organization and the Ivorian government’s dedication to strengthening regional mechanisms against transnational crime. » He extended deep gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara and the Ivorian government for their unwavering support, which has enabled GIABA to deepen its institutional footprint in the country.
Regional impact of the new center
General Idrissa Touré, President of Côte d’Ivoire’s Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF), described the inauguration as a catalyst for a new era of knowledge-sharing, cooperation and action. He underscored the center’s future role as a regional powerhouse for training, research, documentation and public awareness campaigns, serving francophone and lusophone nations across West Africa.
The ceremony drew high-level participation from senior officials across Côte d’Ivoire’s ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Planning and Development, as well as ambassadors and representatives from international bodies like UNDP and UNICEF.
