Ivorian Government and BNI (Banque Nationale d'Investissement) Join Forces to Facilitate Diaspora Investment

With an estimated 1.2 million members, the Ivorian diaspora is considered a key driver for the country’s socio-economic development.

In Côte d’Ivoire, the Minister Delegate in charge of African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, Adama Dosso, oversaw the signing of a framework agreement on Friday, March 6, 2026, between his ministry and the National Investment Bank (BNI). The agreement aims to strengthen financial support for diaspora-led projects and encourage their participation in the country’s economic development.

According to the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP), the agreement includes the creation of banking products and services tailored for Ivorians abroad, funding for their investment projects, as well as financial education and capacity-building initiatives. The BNI will also participate in diaspora mobilization initiatives and forums.

“The Ivorian diaspora is an important lever for the country’s growth and economic transformation, particularly through the financial transfers it sends to Côte d’Ivoire each year,” said Minister Dosso.

Ivorians living abroad represent approximately 1.24 million people, or about 5.4% of the national population. Often referred to as the “32nd region” of the country, this diaspora is seen as a potential actor in socio-economic development.

To better harness this potential, authorities have implemented several reforms in recent years, including the creation of the Directorate General for Ivorians Abroad (DGIE) within the Ministry of African Integration. Missions, forums, and seminars have also been organized to gather the diaspora’s concerns and identify investment intentions.

According to World Bank data, remittances from the Ivorian diaspora reached $1.042 billion in 2024, up from $440 million in 2021, confirming their growing role in financing the national economy.