Ivorian government hands over new GIABA headquarters in Abidjan

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – On August 12, 2026, 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 the Deux-Plateaux district of Abidjan. The handover ceremony marked the completion of a state-of-the-art facility designed to bolster regional efforts against financial crime.

« This milestone represents more than just the delivery of a modern workspace — it symbolizes the Ivorian government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening GIABA’s mission in combating money laundering and terrorist financing,” declared the minister. He emphasized that the facility would serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration among experts to refine strategies against illicit financial flows.

The agreement to establish GIABA’s West African hub in Abidjan dates back to March 29, 2014, when Côte d’Ivoire signed a host country agreement during the 44th ECOWAS summit in Yamoussoukro. This decision followed a 2010 ECOWAS Council of Ministers resolution, which designated Lagos (Nigeria) for Anglophone countries and Abidjan for Francophone and Lusophone nations, creating dedicated centers for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing initiatives.

« Thanks to GIABA’s guidance, Côte d’Ivoire met the FATF’s deadline for implementing a 2024 action plan aimed at reinforcing its domestic framework against financial crime,” Coulibaly noted. He urged all stakeholders—public, private, and civil society—to intensify efforts in dismantling criminal networks by cutting off their financial lifelines.

Edwin Harris Junior, GIABA’s Director General, praised Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership, stating, « The inauguration of this facility underscores the trust placed in our organization and the Ivorian government’s dedication to regional security. President Alassane Ouattara’s steadfast support has been instrumental in solidifying GIABA’s institutional footprint in West Africa.”

General Idrissa Touré, head of Côte d’Ivoire’s Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF), highlighted the center’s role as a catalyst for regional progress. « This facility will drive innovation in research, training, and cooperation, positioning it as a vital resource for Francophone and Lusophone states to enhance their anti-financial crime measures.

The ceremony drew attendance from key figures, including representatives from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Planning and Development, alongside ambassadors and officials from Liberia, the UNDP, and UNICEF.