CARE International's deputy director for resource mobilization, value chains, and private sector, Mamadou Traoré, has advocated for genuine financial inclusion for community associations in Côte d'Ivoire. On September 19, 2026, Traoré addressed parliamentarians during a visit to a biodigester in Bohoussoukro, 10 km from Duékoué in the western region of Guémon. He emphasized the need for a law that allows these associations to benefit from financial inclusion by linking them to microfinance.
Traoré highlighted the success of four community associations in Bohoussoukro that have received financial education and mobilized 9 million FCFA in a few months. In the cocoa sector, these associations have mobilized 7 billion FCFA in nearly a year and secured a 270 million FCFA loan by linking with microfinance institutions, which they fully repaid. This demonstrates the potential for financial inclusion through microfinance linkages.
The event was attended by local authorities, including the prefect and sub-prefect of Duékoué, representatives from the Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources, and regional delegates from the Guémon region. Parliamentarians and members of the Ministry of Environment, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Women, Family, and Children, were also present. The Ivorian government has been promoting financial inclusion, and Traoré's plea aligns with these efforts.
Côte d'Ivoire has approximately 21,000 community associations, known as Associations for Community Self-Help (AVEC). These groups aim to promote community development and self-reliance. By linking them to microfinance institutions, Traoré believes they can access more financial resources and contribute to the country's economic growth.
The biodigester visit was part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable development and renewable energy in the region. The project aims to provide clean energy and improve living standards for local communities. Traoré's advocacy for financial inclusion is part of a larger effort to support the growth and sustainability of community associations in Côte d'Ivoire.
Traoré's call for action emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to address the financial challenges faced by community associations. By working together, the government, parliamentarians, and development partners can help create an enabling environment for these associations to thrive and contribute to Côte d'Ivoire's economic development.
The success of community associations in mobilizing resources and securing loans through microfinance linkages demonstrates the potential for financial inclusion to drive economic growth and poverty reduction in Côte d'Ivoire. As the government continues to promote financial inclusion, Traoré's advocacy serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting community associations in their efforts to access financial resources and achieve sustainability.
Key points
- CARE International's Mamadou Traoré advocates for linking Ivorian community associations to microfinance to enhance financial inclusion.
- Côte d'Ivoire has approximately 21,000 community associations that aim to promote community development and self-reliance.
- The associations have mobilized significant resources, including 7 billion FCFA in the cocoa sector, and secured loans through microfinance linkages.
