Less than two years after its establishment in Côte d’Ivoire, AFG Bank Côte d’Ivoire is already establishing itself as a major player in the country’s banking sector. Thanks to the acquisition of BPCI (370,000 clients, 78 branches, staff included), the bank has significantly expanded its network both in Abidjan and in the interior of the country, with recent branch openings such as Kouto. Led since September 2024 by Daniel Touré, a banking sector professional with over 26 years of experience, AFG Bank is focusing on proximity and digital/environmental investment to solidify its position. The group does not hide its ambitions: to rely on a large customer base, offer modern services, and become one of the leaders in the Ivorian market, while focusing on financial inclusion and digital transformation. In this interview, Daniel Touré discusses the keys to this rapid success, his long-term ambitions, and his vision of the Ivorian banking landscape.
What have been the main drivers of your expansion strategy, both in Abidjan and in the interior of the country?
Our strategy has been based on two major drivers: on the one hand, the acquisition of the assets of Banque Populaire de Côte d’Ivoire (BPCI) which allowed us to immediately have a strong network and a significant customer base. On the other hand, the progressive opening of new branches in the Abidjan area where the bank was underrepresented compared to large network banks, without forgetting the interior of the country, especially with the recent opening of the Kouto branch and ongoing renovation projects of the main branches in the interior. This approach aims to strengthen our proximity and offer accessible services throughout Côte d’Ivoire.
Does your rapid growth rely more on geographical proximity with clients (branch network), or on digital innovation?
It’s a balance between the two. Within our group, we have coined the term “phygital”; a combination of physical and digital. Indeed, we understand that the physical network remains essential to create a bond of trust and meet the needs of proximity and visibility despite our traditional attachment to digital and technological innovations. On the other hand, we are investing heavily in digital to simplify the customer experience and offer modern services, accessible at all times and everywhere.
The Ivorian banking market is very competitive, with a high density of players. How does AFG Bank intend to differentiate itself in the long term?
We focus on three differentiating axes: customer experience, financial inclusion, and innovation. This combination allows us to build a unique offering, tailored to the real needs of Ivorians today and tomorrow.
What role does financial inclusion play in your strategy, especially in reaching rural and unbanked populations?
It is at the heart of our mission. We want every Ivorian, even in rural areas, to have access to modern and secure banking services. Inclusion is both a social responsibility and a driver of sustainable development. For example, our online banking platform (AFG eBank) allows all Ivorians to open an account online without having to visit a physical branch.
What challenges have you faced in this rapid establishment, and how have you overcome them?
The main challenge was to ensure a smooth integration after the acquisition of BPCI, both for our employees and our clients. We overcame this through close support, training, and transparent communication. This collective effort allowed us to turn this transition into an opportunity for growth and trust reinforcement.
How do you integrate digital transition and sustainable finance into your development model?
We invest in digital to make banking simpler and more accessible, and in sustainable finance to support projects that respect the environment. Our ambition is clear: to combine performance and responsibility.
