The international payment services company VISA, signed a formal agreement with the Ivory Coast to digitize government services and expand financial services in the country.
The agreement means the Ivorian government will work with Visa to review current financial services programs in the country and create informed action plans to assist in the adoption of electronic payments.
Visa is the first international electronic payments provider to open an office in Côte d'Ivoire. The company made six commitments, including implementing Visa Mobile payments to more than 1,1 million cocoa, coffee and cashew producers whose work represents 20% of Côte d'Ivoire's GDP.
Adama Koné, the Minister of Finance and Economy, said that he considered this partnership a step forward for the development of Côte d'Ivoire. "An agreement that reflects the government's determination to face challenges and improve the lives of Ivorians by collaborating with companies such as Visa."
Andrew Torre, Visa representative for Central Europe and Africa, said: this signing of the agreement represents an important milestone in our ongoing cooperation with the Ivory Coast government. It is a big step in our effort to bring more Ivorians into the formal financial system with all the associated benefits.
Our shared vision to improve the quality of services and the use of the latest payment technologies makes this partnership a great opportunity for Ivorians, the financial services industry, merchants and government.
