Remitbee Launches Remittance Service to Côte d'Ivoire

Bonjour! In expanding our global reach in providing easy, affordable, and fast money transfer services, we are now opening our gates to Côte d’Ivoire. Now, you can start sending money using Remitbee to your family, friends, even clients from CAD to CFA Franc with excellent exchange rates and low fees. Another good news, transfers that are $500 and over are free.

A brief background on Côte d'Ivoire

Located in the southern coast of West Africa, The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, also known as the Ivory Coast, has a current population of over 27 million. Its political capital is Yamoussoukro and its economic capital is the port city of Abidjan.

In 1843, the country became France’s protectorate and after 50 years, it was consolidated as a French colony amid the European scramble for Africa. After 67 years, in 1960, under the leadership of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the country gained its independence. So French is the official language of the country along with other local indigenous languages such as Baoulé, Dioula, Dan, Anyin, and Cebaara Senufo.

Côte d’Ivoire is able to maintain its close relations to the West Bloc, especially France and at the same time forge close political and economic ties with its West African neighbors.

Despite its economic powerhouse status in the 1960s and 1970s due to its production of coffee and cocoa, the country underwent economic crisis and political and social turmoil in the 1980s. But known for its resilience, in 2014, the country's gross domestic product reached the level of its peak in the 1970s. In 2020, Côte d’Ivoire is the largest exporter of cocoa beans in the world, giving the country high income.

Holidays and Festivals in Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire has a colorful culture and festivals that showcases its beauty and diversity. With roughly 12% of practicing Christians, 25% of Islam practitioners, and 63% of traditional beliefs adherers which practices ancestor worship and magic.

The Festival of Masks or Fêtes des Masques is one of the biggest festivals in the town of Man located in the northern region. During the celebration, villagers compete to win the title of the best dancers and to pay homage to the personified forest spirits in their masks.

Another awaited event in the country is Bouaké Carnival, a week-long carnival usually held in March at St. Michael’s Cathedral. During this time, natives and tourists join together to celebrate life and friendship while enjoying music and eating traditional food.

Fête du Dipri or Festival of Dipri in Gomon is a cleansing festival held every April. The festival often starts at midnight where naked women and children sneak out of their huts to carry out nocturnal rites to drive away evil spells in the village. Before the sun rises, their chief appears, drums are pounded, and the villagers go into trances. This event continues until late afternoon the next day.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Independence Day is celebrated every August 7. During this day, they commemorate their liberation from France through cultural activities, lively performances, and parades.

Christians in Côte d’Ivoire also celebrate Christmas while muslims observe and celebrate Muslim holidays and festivities such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Tabaski or the Feast of the Sacrifice.

Ivorian Canadians

In 1962, Canada and Côte d’Ivoire established diplomatic relations. Since 1972, Côte d’Ivoire has been represented in Canada by the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire to Canada in Ottawa.

The Canadian Government has announced their intention of allowing over 1 million new Canadian Skilled Migrants, including Ivorians (citizens of Côte d’Ivoire) to immigrate to Canada for Ivorians to have a better future, experience work-life balance, or further their education. Ivorians who immigrated to Canada have high prospects of finding work in the country due to their job experience and strong English and French skills, including managerial, professional, and skilled trade jobs. Ivorian medical professions are also in demand in all the Canadian provinces.

Partner banks in Côte d’Ivoire

The banking sector of Côte d’Ivoire was a major contributor in reconstructing the country’s economy after its decade-long political and military unrest in 2011. With the help of the bank institutions, the country is able to further its infrastructure, energy, industry, agriculture, and services economic sectors. Between 2012 to 2018, the country's GDP growth averaged at 8.5%.

Côte d’Ivoire has around 27 active banks with French and Moroccan banks. Remitbee allows you to remit money into any bank in the country without exceptions. These banks include:

Central Bank of West African States Bridge Bank Group Banque Atlantique Côte d’Ivoire Banque Internationale pour le Commerce et l'Industrie de la Côte d’Ivoire Bank of Africa - Côte d’Ivoire Banque Régionale de Solidarité - Côte d’Ivoire Banque pour le Financement de l’Agriculture Société Générale de Banques en Côte d’Ivoire Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire COFIPA Investment Bank - Côte d’Ivoire

Being able to send money safely from Canada to Côte d'Ivoire is what Remitbee promises. We offer fast and easy CAD to CFA Franc money remittance directly to an Ivorian account.

Experience our seamless service by signing up and verifying your account with the correct information of the person you intend to transfer money to. The rest is up to us.