The economic hub of West Africa welcomed a milestone event today as Adama Coulibaly, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, officially inaugurated the new headquarters of the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in Abidjan’s Deux-Plateaux district on August 12, 2026.
The handover ceremony marked the completion of a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve as a regional hub for combating financial crime. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting international efforts, stating: “This modern facility represents more than just a building—it’s a strategic investment in our shared fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. Today, we’re not just handing over keys; we’re opening doors to collaboration, expertise exchange, and stronger regional defenses against financial crime.”
Côte d’Ivoire’s journey to host this critical institution began more than a decade ago. In 2010, ECOWAS ministers in Abuja endorsed a regional strategy to establish two specialized centers—one in Lagos for anglophone nations and another in Abidjan for francophone and lusophone countries. The bilateral agreement formalizing this arrangement was signed by Côte d’Ivoire and GIABA during the 44th ECOWAS summit in Yamoussoukro on March 29, 2014.
Addressing the assembled dignitaries, Minister Coulibaly highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s progress in implementing the Financial Action Task Force’s recommended measures ahead of schedule. He called for unified action, urging all stakeholders to intensify efforts in dismantling criminal networks and cutting off their financial lifelines.
GIABA Director General Edwin Harris Junior commended Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership, noting: “This achievement reflects the trust placed in our organization and the Ivorian government’s dedication to strengthening regional mechanisms against transnational financial crime.” He expressed particular gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara and the entire government for their steadfast support in establishing GIABA’s permanent presence in the country.
General Idrissa Touré, Chair of the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF), underscored the facility’s strategic importance. “This center will drive innovation through knowledge sharing, enhanced cooperation and targeted action,” he stated. He emphasized that the facility would serve as a regional resource hub for francophone and lusophone nations, offering training, research, documentation and outreach capabilities.
The inauguration drew participation from multiple government sectors including Foreign Affairs, Justice, Planning and Development ministries. Also in attendance were Liberia’s ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire and representatives from UNDP and UNICEF.
