Ivory Coast strengthens anti-money laundering fight with new GIABA headquarters

Abidjan, August 12, 2026 – Adama Coulibaly, Ivory Coast’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 Abidjan’s Deux-Plateaux, 7th Tranche.

The minister emphasized the significance of the moment: “This event symbolizes the government’s commitment to supporting GIABA’s mission by providing a fully equipped, modern facility.” He added that the new offices would serve as a hub for sharing expertise and best practices in combating financial crime, money laundering and terrorist financing.

From agreement to realization: how Côte d’Ivoire became GIABA’s regional hub

The Ivory Coast’s partnership with GIABA dates back to a landmark agreement signed on March 29, 2014, in Yamoussoukro. This followed a 2010 ECOWAS Council of Ministers decision, adopted in Abuja, Nigeria, to establish two regional information centers: one in Lagos for English-speaking countries and another in Abidjan for Francophone and Lusophone nations.

Speaking at the inauguration, Coulibaly highlighted Ivory Coast’s progress: “With GIABA’s support, our country successfully implemented its national action plan ahead of the FATF’s deadline, strengthening our defenses against financial crime.” He urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts to disrupt criminal networks and cut off their funding sources.

GIABA celebrates Ivory Coast’s dedication to regional security

Edwin Harris Junior, GIABA’s Director-General, praised the Ivorian government’s unwavering support: “This facility reflects the trust placed in our organization and the Ivorian authorities’ resolve to bolster regional mechanisms against transnational crime.” He expressed deep gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara and his administration for their decisive backing in strengthening GIABA’s institutional presence in the country.

CENTIF’s new role as a knowledge and cooperation hub

General Idrissa Touré, Chair of Côte d’Ivoire’s Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF), described the new center as a catalyst for change: “This launch marks a shift toward knowledge-sharing, collaboration and action.” He noted that the facility would serve as a regional resource for training, research, documentation, awareness-raising and cross-border cooperation among Francophone and Lusophone states.

The ceremony brought together officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Planning and Development, along with Liberia’s Ambassador to Ivory Coast, and representatives from UNDP and UNICEF.