The SIPODI West Regional Programme of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, in partnership with the Centre de Recherche Scientifique Ouest Africain (CRSOA), has published a new study on money laundering in Côte d’Ivoire. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural, sectoral, and legal dimensions of this critical security challenge.
A growing security and economic threat
Money laundering represents a major risk to economic stability, institutional integrity, and public trust. In West Africa, and particularly in Côte d’Ivoire, rapid economic transformation, financial innovation, and regulatory gaps create an enabling environment for illicit financial flows.
The study highlights vulnerabilities in key sectors:
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Banking sector
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Public finances
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Real estate
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Large-scale distribution
Methodology: A mixed-methods approach
The research combines qualitative interviews, quantitative data analysis, and extensive document review. This integrated methodology allows for a nuanced understanding of money laundering practices and institutional responses.
Key findings
The study identifies:
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Increasingly sophisticated and transnational laundering techniques
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Institutional and regulatory weaknesses
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Significant economic costs, including capital flight and revenue losses
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Strong links to organized crime and terrorism financing
Policy implications
Despite progress in the legal framework, particularly within UEMOA and international standards, implementation gaps remain a key challenge.
The report calls for:
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stronger institutional coordination
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enhanced financial oversight
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increased international cooperation
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targeted awareness and capacity-building measures
Contribution to policy dialogue
This publication contributes to SIPODI West’s mission of fostering evidence-based security policy dialogue in West Africa, supporting policymakers and stakeholders in addressing financial crime more effectively.
