Ouagadougou: 22nd Annual Conference of the AJBEF

Ouagadougou – November 25 to 27, 2025

Theme: “Banking Governance: The Key Role of the Legal Department”

Background and Overview

In February 2025, the Association of Banking and Financial Institution Lawyers (AJBEF) shared the documents from its 21st Annual Conference, held in Abidjan in November 2024.
These meetings resulted in the drafting of a set of resolutions and recommendations, which were closely monitored throughout the year by a dedicated follow-up committee.

A New Edition: Looking Back and Moving Forward

The 22nd Annual Conference, scheduled to take place in Ouagadougou from November 25 to 27, 2025, marks a turning point for the association.
This edition will provide an opportunity to:

• Report on the progress made following the recommendations of the previous edition;

• Review the twenty-five-year journey of the AJBEF;

• And project into the next quarter century, focused on gaining recognition for the profession of “Banking Lawyer” as a distinct and specialized field.

A Renewed and Participatory Format

Since the 21st edition, the AJBEF has introduced a major shift in format, placing banking lawyers at the heart of discussions.

• Several participants took on roles as Masters of Ceremony, while others served as speakers alongside distinguished experts.

• Participants also contributed to working commissions, with some appointed as rapporteurs.

This highly rewarding and enriching experience will be continued in the 22nd edition, fostering greater engagement and professional development among members.

The AJBEF Conference: A Platform for Reflection and Continuous Learning

Far more than a traditional symposium, the AJBEF Annual Conference has become:

• A platform for in-depth reflection on the legal challenges facing the banking sector;

• A space for continuous professional development;

• And an environment that promotes the growth and fulfillment of every banking lawyer, to the benefit of their respective institutions.

In this context, AJBEF aims to offer specialized training sessions alongside its annual meetings, targeting lawyers, compliance officers, governance managers, and legal secretariat officers (Boards of Directors and General Assemblies).

Toward the Recognition of the “Banking Lawyer” Profession

The next quarter century represents an opportunity for the AJBEF to strengthen the professional identity and recognition of the banking lawyer as an expert in both law and finance.
To achieve this, the association intends to:

• Develop advanced and tailored training programs aligned with the realities of the African banking sector;

• Strengthen partnerships with regulatory authorities (Central Banks), APBEF, the Club of Bank Executives, the OHADA Permanent Secretariat, and African States;

• And promote lasting collaboration between legal professionals and financial institutions to advance the continent’s banking and financial ecosystem.

A Collective and Enduring Commitment

Thanks to the continuous support of its members and partners, the AJBEF has successfully demonstrated the essential contribution of legal professionals to the performance and governance of financial institutions.
The association expresses its sincere gratitude to all those who continue to support its mission and help move the profession forward.

It warmly invites institutions to register their relevant staff members — lawyers, compliance officers, governance specialists, and legal secretariat officers — for this 22nd edition, dedicated to exploring banking governance and the crucial role of the legal department.