Ferid Nandjee, AKDN Resident Representative, Youssouf Bakayoko, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Highness the Aga Khan during the arrival at the Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport in Abidjan. Photo Credit: Gary Otte
Cote d'Ivoire (28 April to 1 May 2008)
Microfinance agency launched: In addition to official meetings, His Highness was in Cote d'Ivoire to launch the Première Agence de Microfinance (PAMF), which is to start operations in the areas of Boundiali and Dianra in northern Côte d’Ivoire. It joins two sister microfinance institutions, in Mali and Burkina Faso, which were launched in 2006. PAMF will serve disadvantaged communities through a network that is expected to grow to over eight branches by 2012. Loans are primarily intended for income-generating activities, and are designed to improve agricultural productivity, acquire livestock and establish small enterprises in rural and urban areas.
Ferid Nandjee, AKDN Resident Representative, Youssouf Bakayoko, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Highness the Aga Khan during the arrival at the
Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport in Abidjan. Photo Credit: Gary Otte
Foreign Minister Youssouf Bakayoko and His Highness the Aga Khan during the renditions of the Nashid al-Imamah and the national anthem of Ivory Coast. Photo Credit: Gary Otte
His Highness the Aga Khan answering questions from the media upon arrival in Abidjan. Photo Credit: Gary Otte