The Algerian Bank in Senegal (ABS), which has been operating in the country since late 2023, intends to open a branch in the Nigerien capital Niamey, ABS Director General Abdelhafid Haned announced Sunday in Algiers, adding that the public bank’s network would later be reinforced by a further branch in Côte d’Ivoire.
Speaking on the sidelines of the second and final day of the 12th edition of the Investment and Trade Forum organized by the Arab-African Center for Investment and Development, Haned said that “a licensing application for a new branch in Niger was submitted to the relevant monetary authorities approximately 10 days ago, and the branch is expected to open by the end of 2026 or in early 2027, within the framework of Algeria’s vision to strengthen its banking presence in Africa in order to support Algerian companies and operators on the continent.” Haned said that the planned Niger branch would represent “a new qualitative addition and a significant step” for ABS bank on the continent, both in view of the economic potential available in the country and in light of the agreements recently signed between Algeria and Niger, including those concluded by Sonelgaz, Sonatrach, and Algérie Télécom, which would open vast avenues for cooperation across all sectors.
He further noted that the presence of Algerian banks abroad would help keep pace with the development characterizing Algeria-Niger relations, adding that the establishment of two branches in Niger and Côte d’Ivoire would transform the Algerian Bank in Senegal into “a regional banking hub” in West Africa, thereby accelerating continental integration and boosting economic and financial ties between Algeria and African countries.
The Director General affirmed that in addition to financing, the bank offers businessmen advisory and guidance services on the legal and regulatory framework governing the Senegalese market, whether in relation to investment or exports to the country, with the provision of special advisory solutions, notably regarding the most suitable and profitable sectors for operators.
ABS was established with a capital of USD 100 million, as a joint venture between the National Bank of Algeria (BNA, 40 percent of capital), the Algerian People’s Credit (CPA, 20 percent), the Foreign Bank of Algeria (BEA, 20 percent), and the Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (BADR, 20 percent).
For his part, the Executive Director of the Algerian Union Bank in Mauritania, Aboubekrine Diallo, underscored the growing momentum in the Algeria-Mauritania economic partnership in recent months, particularly following the opening of three AUB agencies in Mauritania, noting that bilateral trade exchanges rose to approximately USD 500 million in 2025.
During the second day of the forum, participants, including African government ministers, experts, technicians, and heads of various institutions, highlighted the need for collective efforts and investment in human capital to achieve sustainable development across the continent, enabling the optimal and rational use of resources.
Additionally, they called for the establishment of a unified digital platform for data and knowledge transfer, to facilitate inter-communication and develop modern payment methods.
