The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the private sector arm of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group, in partnership with Afriland First Bank Ivory Coast, a Pan-African full service bank, have signed agreement in which both parties will cooperate to establish an Islamic Window in Ivory Coast. The cooperation reflects ICD's ambition to promote Islamic finance in its member countries, and support its growing presence and activities in Africa. In the process, both parties intend to offer technical and advisory support to successfully structure and implement an Islamic window. The agreement was signed by Khaled Mohammed Al-Aboodi, CEO and Managing Director of ICD, and Olivier Dadjeu Kengne, CEO and Managing Director of Afriland First Bank Ivory Coast. Al Aboodi expressed his strong support for the partnership, saying: «I am extremely pleased to have this framework of collaboration with our partner. Cooperating with Afriland First Bank will give us the opportunity to sit our presence in plain where the demand is always increasing and where ICD is needed the most given its reputation and expertise in the Islamic finance.» Kengne said: "Afriland First Bank Côte d'Ivoire is an African Bank which always works with the respect of African traditions and communities. We aim at developing enough closeness with people and local communities so that we can respond at the best to any of their solicitations. To sum it up, we are open, flexible and adaptable to ensure the success of our clients." He added: "Thus, the partnership with ICD appeared like a self-evidence to diversify the bank›s activities and meet the needs of some of its customers, particularly to a large Muslim community which is actively involved in trades. So by this partnership, we propose another financial system, an alternative model of financing, different from conventional finance which matches the values and principles of Islam." — SG
