Ivory Coast hosts new GIABA information center to fight financial crime
The Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, Adama Coulibaly, officially inaugurated the new premises of the GIABA Information Center in Cocody, Abidjan, on August 12, 2026. The facility, provided by the Ivorian government under the terms of the Headquarters Agreement, marks a significant step in strengthening regional cooperation against financial crime.
This initiative aligns with the 2010 decision of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which established two information centers: one in Lagos for Anglophone countries and the other in Abidjan to support Francophone and Lusophone member states. The Abidjan center opened in 2015 following the signing of the Headquarters Agreement between Côte d’Ivoire and GIABA.
Why this facility matters in the fight against illicit financing
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Coulibaly emphasized the growing sophistication of money laundering and terrorism financing schemes. He stressed that no single nation can tackle these challenges alone, calling for regional collaboration in intelligence-sharing, capacity-building and targeted interventions.
The minister described the new center as a vital regional platform for awareness-raising, training, research, documentation and communication. Its mission is to enhance the effectiveness of anti-financial crime measures across ECOWAS member states and beyond.
GIABA’s outgoing director highlights the center’s expanded role
Edwin W. Harris Jr., Director General of GIABA, highlighted the center’s achievements since 2015. It has hosted public forums, youth engagement programs, speech competitions, media workshops and training sessions for religious leaders, civil society organizations and judicial officials. It has also supported mutual evaluation processes among member states.
With its upgraded facilities, the center is set to become a regional hub for knowledge exchange and innovation in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT). Harris urged public administrations, financial institutions, universities, research centers, media outlets and civil society groups to actively participate in the center’s programs.
Special focus will be placed on engaging youth, students and young professionals to foster a culture of integrity and good governance in West Africa.
Cutting-edge training tools for a stronger regional response
The new premises feature a state-of-the-art Computer-Based Training (CBT) center. This platform will offer specialized training modules tailored to different user groups, including regulators, financial institutions, legal professionals, law enforcement, academics and students. Certifications will be awarded, supporting the professionalization of AML/CFT expertise across the region.
This development comes as Harris prepares to conclude his term as GIABA Director General on August 31, 2026. The timing underscores the center’s role as a lasting asset for ECOWAS member states, reinforcing cooperation, information-sharing and skill development in the fight against financial crime.
