Citi Celebrates 50 Years in Côte d’Ivoire

ABIDJAN – Citi commemorated 50 years of presence and partnership in Côte d’Ivoire at an event hosted by Ernesto Torres Cantú and Citi executives, attended by senior government officials, business and industry leaders, regulators, NGO partners, Citi alumni and employees.

Citi Côte d’Ivoire, instrumental in attracting investor flows, has led on several public sector transactions including the debut Eurobond in 2014, the first foreign exchange hedging transaction, first Sukuk, and first social security mass payment transaction. Citi is also the lead financing bank of international cocoa exporters and is a proud exporter of talented financial industry leaders in the country and beyond.  

Viviane Bakayoko, Citi Côte d’Ivoire CEO, added: “Over time we have built many successful stories through the hard work of a great team made up of many talented people, who put the needs of our clients and communities at the heart of everything we do. In this spirit we are delighted to announce the Citi Foundation partnership with the Nubian Vault Association.”

Citi and the Citi Foundation recognize that safe, affordable, and stable housing is a key contributor to the economic and social wellbeing of individuals and communities around the world. The Citi Foundation has committed $500,000 to The Nubian Vault Association as part of its Global Innovation Challenge. The Nubian Vault Association is using the funding to implement the Nubian Vault Decent Housing project in Côte d'Ivoire. The project will increase affordable housing for 50 low-income families and displaced households in northern Côte d’Ivoire by offering training on eco-friendly construction methods to community members and establishing a local loan fund.

Citi remains committed to the growth of its clients and communities in Africa and looks forward to supporting Côte d’Ivoire as it continues to evolve into a beacon of resilience and progress.