Mastercard Hosts Inaugural Côte d'Ivoire Business Forum, Driving Financial Inclusion and Digital Innovation

September 24, 2024 | Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
  • The event addressed key opportunities in shaping the future of digital payments and economic growth in Côte d'Ivoire.

 

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire | 24 September 2024: Global payments technology leader Mastercard hosted its inaugural Côte d'Ivoire Business Forum today, convening key stakeholders and thought leaders from across the fintech, banking, and sectors. The event underscores Mastercard’s commitment to driving financial inclusion and advancing the digital payments ecosystem in Côte d'Ivoire.

The forum brought together government related institutions, private sector leaders, and fintech innovators to explore the rapidly evolving financial and technology landscape in Côte d'Ivoire. With the country positioned as a leader in Francophone West Africa’s digital transformation, the forum highlighted Mastercard’s strategic role in fostering impactful collaborations and advancing digital financial inclusion initiatives across the region.

Côte d'Ivoire’s economy has demonstrated strong resilience, with real GDP growth projected at 6.5% in 2023. As digital payments and financial services continue to evolve, Mastercard is actively supporting this transformation through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technological solutions.

“At Mastercard, we recognise that financial inclusion is a cornerstone of sustainable economic development. Through our digital solutions, we are committed to driving the growth of a digital economy in Côte d'Ivoire, enabling every individual, business, and financial institution to benefit from seamless, secure payment systems,” said Jean-Charles Yallet, Vice President, Country Manager, FSSA, Mastercard. “This forum is, about co-creating solutions through impactful collaborations to address the unique challenges and opportunities present in Côte d'Ivoire’s financial ecosystem.”

Key sessions at the forum focused on pressing topics such as adapting banking practices to changing consumer demands and leveraging fintech innovations to promote financial inclusion. Côte d’Ivoire, like many African markets, faces challenges related to unbanked and underserved populations. Mastercard’s initiatives, including its customer-centric operational support and advisory services, were highlighted as powerful levers that could address these challenges.

Looking ahead, Mastercard reiterated its commitment to building a more inclusive and secure financial ecosystem in Côte d'Ivoire, aligning with its global mission of bringing 1 billion people into the digital economy by 2025. Mastercard is expanding its partnerships, advancing its multi-rail payment strategy, and continuing to invest in technological solutions that meet local needs, shaping the future of digital inclusion in Côte d'Ivoire and beyond.

Media Contacts

Kanyi L. Mwangi, Mastercard

Kanyi.Mwangi@Mastercard.com

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com