Multi-sectoral Mission between Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire by Attijariwafa bank Group’s Africa Development Club

Africa Development Club of Attijariwafa bank Group, Attijariwafa bank Egypt and Société Ivoirienne de Banque -Group subsidiary in Côte d’Ivoire- under the patronage of Egyptian Commercial Service Office and the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Egypt, organized a multi-sectoral mission between Egypt & Côte d’Ivoire. The mission was launched and announced during a two-day conference at the Radisson Blu, in Abidjan, on Monday, April 29, and Tuesday, April 30, 2024, under the theme “Egypt – Côte d’Ivoire Business Bridge”.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The mission’s purpose was to strengthen trade between the customers of Attijariwafa bank Egypt and those of Société Ivoirienne de Banque -Group subsidiary in Côte d’Ivoire-, under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry with the support and attendance of the Plenipotentiary Minister of Trade & Industry and Head of Egyptian Commercial Service Office, Mr. Yahia El Watheq Bellah. The mission was attended by nearly thirty investors from Egypt, eminent experts and comprised B2B networking sessions bringing together more than one hundred business leaders from Egypt & Côte d’Ivoire, as well as field visits, including a visit to the infrastructure at the Autonomous Port of Abidjan.

Mr. Ismail Douiri, Deputy CEO of Attijariwafa bank Group, expressed his gladness for availing the opportunity to the customers of the group’s two subsidiaries, in line with the objectives of Africa Development Club. He assured the commitment of Attijariwafa bank Group to supporting the development of African economies and promoting trade exchanges between the countries of the continent.

Mr. Yahia El Watheq Bellah, the Plenipotentiary Minister of Trade & Industry and Head of Egyptian Commercial Service Office, welcomed the initiative of Africa Development Club and collaborating banks for orchestrating this multi-sectoral mission. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening its economic relations with Côte d’Ivoire and promoting trade between the two countries.

Mr. Mouawia Essekelli, Managing Director of Attijariwafa bank Egypt highlighted the pivotal importance of the partnership between Attijariwafa bank Egypt, the Egyptian Commercial Service Office, and Africa Development Club of Attijariwafa bank Group. This strategic partnership aims to boost bilateral economic exchanges, comprising countries where Attijariwafa bank Group operates, thus fostering regional integration and mutual economic growth. He reiterated Attijariwafa bank Egypt’s commitment to supporting its customers in their development and the prosperity of African economies.

Mr. Mohamed El Ghazi, General Manager of Société Ivoirienne de Banque -Group subsidiary in Côte d’Ivoire-, emphasized the significance of forging new economic ties between Côte d’Ivoire and Egypt, two countries bounded by a longstanding partnership. He portrayed this multi-sectoral mission as a conduit linking many ambitions, which stands as a strong symbol of reinforcement of trade partnerships. He underscored the immense potential and numerous cooperative opportunities between Cairo and Yamoussoukro, urging stakeholders to combine their expertise in order to materialize fruitful B2B exchanges.

As for Ms. Mouna Kadiri, Director of Africa Development Club, she elucidated the delegation’s objective to facilitate the convergence of Ivorian and Egyptian enterprises, fostering interactions and forging business alliances. She highlighted the pivotal role of information dissemination and networking in nurturing the growth of commercial ties between the two countries.

Concluding the succession of addresses, Mr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Trade and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire, congratulated the organizers of this diversified mission and urged Ivorian and Egyptian enterprises to seize the cooperation opportunities that is available to them. He reaffirmed the Ivorian government’s dedication to fostering an environment for business growth and investment facilitation.

The subsequent gatherings witnessed the participation of notable figures from the economic arena in Côte d’Ivoire, including: Ms. Solange Amichia, CEO of CEPICI, Mr. Daouda Coulibaly, Managing Director of Attijari West Africa, Mr. Yahya Al Watheq Bellah, Plenipotentiary Minister of Trade & Industry and Head of Egyptian Commercial Service Office, Mr. Siriki  Sangare, CEO of Opes Holding and President of the National Chamber of Accredited Promoters and Builders, Mr. Stéphane Affro, CEO of the Kaydan Group and Mr. Reda Ben Geloune, Chief Executive Officer of the AITEK Group.

This multifaceted mission, organized by the Africa Development Club, facilitated 240 B2B meetings, benefiting approximately one hundred Egyptian and Ivorian companies.