African banks are increasingly looking outside of their domestic markets, and many of the continent's biggest lenders are now active in multiple countries, buoyed by greater access to vast unbanked populations and a more stable political environment.

Côte d’Ivoire’s economy was battered by the near civil war that broke out following elections in late 2010. The new government has made a good start in trying to repair the damage, but its finance minister knows it has more to do to regain the trust of foreign investors. 

Côte d'Ivoire's huge unbanked population makes the country an attractive target for both local and foreign banks. With the west African nation's banking sector on the verge of a consolidation process, those left standing will be well placed to tap into this enormous potential. Writer Nick Kochan

The governor of the Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, Philippe-Henri Dacoury-Tabley, outlines his monetary policy to increase capital and maintain stable inflation levels. Writer Nick Kochan

Côte d'Ivoire's minister for economy and finance, Charles Koffi Diby, has effectively steered the country through the global credit crisis and, as he tells The Banker, his reform policies are beginning to bear fruit. Writer Nick Kochan

The optimism over Côte d'Ivoire's economic prospects is well placed. Despite continued political instability, inflation is being kept in check, the economy is growing and the restructuring of the country's debt has been widely praised. Writer Nick Kochan