Bank for Commerce and Industry

The history of BCI
Created in Nouakchott in 1999

BCI has established itself as a leading West African bank, committed to financial inclusion and economic development.

West African Bank

After gaining approval from the Central Bank of Mauritania, the Banque pour le Commerce et l'Industrie (BCI SA) officially opened for business in Nouakchott in September 1999.

In a country regarded as a bridge between the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa, and in a narrow, competitive market, the new institution quickly established itself on the banking scene.

Subsequently, it expanded by opening subsidiaries in three other West African countries: Mali, Guinea and Senegal, thus becoming a West African bank.

class="img-responsive
class="img-responsive

This growth has resulted in a highly satisfactory performance, making us one of the country's leading banks.

It subsequently expanded by opening subsidiaries in three other West African countries: Mali, Guinea and Senegal, thus becoming a true West African bank. BCI has strengthened its commitment to the financial inclusion of women's businesses in Africa in particular by signing a technical assistance agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB). This initiative, backed by a €10 million line of credit from the AfDB in 2021, illustrates the CIB's ongoing commitment to inclusive economic development and the promotion of women's entrepreneurship.

Growth of BCI Mauritania

Since its creation, BCI-Mauritania has recorded sustainable growth, characterized by :

  • Total assets multiplied by more than 11
  • Share capital multiplied by 14.5
  • Equity multiplied by 11
  • Solvency and liquidity ratios of 30% and 40% respectively, compared with regulatory levels of 10% and 20% respectively.
  • Expansion resulting in the opening of 18 new branches across the country, bringing the total number of branches in the sub-region to 50
  • Opening of subsidiaries in Mali (2007), Guinea (2012) and Senegal (2015)
  • Becoming Mauritania's leading international bank
  • Signing a 20 million euro financing contract between BCI and the European Investment Bank (BEI) to support SMEs and ETIs in 2024
  • Building an international reputation enabling BCI-Mauritania to have lines of credits totaling over 120 million USD with leading institutions
  • Partnerships with Natixis, Société Générale, Bred Bank, UBAF, Attijarwafa, ODDO BHF...

A reliable network

The bank has developed a network of dozens of financial and banking partners in most countries where its clients do business, led by Natixis-Banques Populaires, a long-standing partner and advisor.

A network of strategic partners

Among them, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the African Development Bank, Proparco, the African Garantee Fund and the Société Islamique de Développement (SID), all of which have provided credit lines and guarantees to offset the country's lack of long-term resources.