following the seminar organized at the Novotel in Abidjan from 03 to 04 December 2019 under the banner of "Digital financial inclusion: the paths to success", the WSBI (World Savings and Retail Banking Institute) made a friendly visit and work, this Thursday, December 05, 2019, at the headquarters of the Banque Populaire de Côte d'Ivoire.

The members of the WSBI, of which the Banque Populaire is a member, came to soak up the experience of the transformation of the former CNCE (Caisse Nationale des Caisses d'Epargne).

The strong delegation was made up of heads of savings banks and structures working in the field of financial inclusion from various African countries including Uganda, Senegal, Benin, Congo, Morocco... and Belgium. to work to develop strategies to improve financial inclusion, by sharing their innovative ideas.

The visit began with a working session, the objective of which, according to the Director of individuals and professionals of the Banque Populaire de Côte d'Ivoire, Thérèse Amichia, is to explain to the members of the institute how the overhaul was operated at the level of its management.

According to the director, this change began with a profound internal overhaul, in particular through the strengthening of the capacities of human resources, the review of procedures, the definition of a new offer of products adapted to the target. Then came the external transformation with the change of name and colors since November 2019.

The meeting then continued with a visit to the main branch located in the SMGL Building in Plateau, one of its 10 mobile vans and finally the Grand-Bassam branch.

The visit ended with a convivial lunch by the sea before the delegation returned to Abidjan. The participants said they were very happy with this guided tour and the lessons learned from the rich experience of the Banque Populaire.

According to Thérèse Amichia, this time of sharing has borne fruit in the sense that partnerships have begun to be established, in particular with the Poste Finance Senegal. The experience of the former CNCE can also serve as a springboard in Congo. The BPCI intends, for its part, to draw inspiration from the example of Uganda in terms of the digitization of banking services.

Note that the WSBI is an international banking association with 109 members in 92 countries around the world, including approximately 7,000 savings and retail banks.