The growing global marketplace requires businesses expanding overseas to deal with West African banks connected to the Central Bank of West African States. The CBWAS is a central bank comprised of eight West African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. These eight nations make up the West African Economic and Monetary Union.

West African states banks offer business owners the security of working with both local West African states banks and banks with global connections. West African states banking institutions also provide clients with the ease of working with their home based banks. International banks in West African states give customers piece of mind when working on any side of the globe.

International banking in West African states helps business owners expand easily into this global marketplace. West African states banks get commercial customers the products they need to establish successful businesses or expand their global franchises to the West African states economy. Work with global banks in West African states to:

1. Invest in the growing West African states economy through West African states banks.

2. Understand the culture and climate of doing business in West African states.

3. Strengthen your business presence through West African states banks.

4. Establish your business as a competitor in the global marketplace.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a bank of West African states that has a trusted reputation in the global marketplace

Using a bank you know and trust helps get your business in West African states up and running smoothly and efficiently. Having ready access to your bank gives you peace of mind that your finances and business transactions are secure.

I recommend: Both The Bank of Africa Group and Ecobank have many locations throughout their individual countries.

Use local West African state commercial banks as a resource for community involvement

Working with a local West African states bank helps establish your business as a contributor to the local economy. A good relationship with a West African states banking institution gets you recognized as a trusted partner in progress in your business location.

I recommend: Both Ghana International Bank and Diamond Bank serve all your business needs.

Compare banks in West African states based on products offered and types of service

Each bank in West African states has something different to offer clients. Look for banks with a variety of savings and investment tools without excessive fees. Also, look for banks that specialize in helping business owners.

I recommend: Check out Bibe Bank and International Commercial Bank Senegal S.A. for a wide variety of banking options, locations, products and services throughout West African states.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do your homework about the culture of West African states before beginning a relationship with a local bank of West African states. Finding out what you need to know about etiquette and customs helps keep you from offending anyone before ever getting started.
• •  Make sure when banking in West African states you have a well-qualified translator or someone in your financial institution to help you with language barriers. The three official languages of the West African states are French, English and Portuguese, but numerous local African languages are also spoken.