Attijariwafa Bank: CBAO Begins Construction of Its Future Headquarters in Dakar

CBAO Groupe Attijariwafa Bank Takes a Major Step Forward in Senegal with Upcoming Headquarters

CBAO Groupe Attijariwafa Bank has reached a significant milestone in its development in Senegal with the launch of construction on its future headquarters, located in the heart of the Plateau district in Dakar. Towering at 94 meters with 18 floors, this building, slated for completion in 2030, represents a strategic investment for the Moroccan banking group and confirms its ambitions for growth in West Africa.

A New Headquarters to Strengthen Attijariwafa Bank’s Presence in Senegal

The groundbreaking ceremony for the future headquarters of CBAO Groupe Attijariwafa Bank took place on Friday, October 30, at the corner of Independence Square in Dakar’s central Plateau district.

The event brought together Mohamed El Kettani, Chairman and CEO of Attijariwafa Bank, Moussa Bala Fofana, Senegal’s Minister of Urban Planning, Territorial Communities, and Land Use, alongside several institutional and business leaders.

Beyond its real estate implications, this project signifies the Moroccan banking group’s commitment to solidifying its presence in Senegal and enhancing its role in financing the local economy. It also reflects its confidence in the country’s growth prospects and the potential of the West African banking sector.

Through this undertaking, CBAO aims to support the development of its activities and to have infrastructure that aligns with its long-term ambitions.

A 94-Meter Tower in the Heart of Dakar’s Business District

The future headquarters of CBAO will stand out with its impressive dimensions. The building will feature 18 floors, reach a height of 94 meters, and encompass a built area of 26,600 square meters, with 17,200 square meters designated for office spaces.

Constructed on a land area of 1,800 square meters, the building will adopt a contemporary architectural style that emphasizes verticality. Its façade will take the form of a faceted glass monolith, with a green fissure symbolically linking the vegetation of Independence Square to the top of the tower.

The project also plans to include several spaces designed to welcome the bank’s clients and partners. A multi-functional, adaptable hall with a capacity of 330 will facilitate professional meetings and institutional events. On the ground floor, a lobby open to the public will feature a VIP agency and a concierge service.

Environmentally, the building aspires to achieve LEED Gold certification. Its design will include solar panels on the roof and integrate solutions that meet the requirements for sustainable construction. The future headquarters is expected to be completed by 2030.

Strengthening Partnership with Senegalese Authorities

The ceremony was also marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Senegalese government and the management of CBAO.

This agreement formalizes the cooperation between the two parties regarding the project and underscores the authorities’ interest in private investments that can support the country’s economic and urban transformation.

During the event, Minister Moussa Bala Fofana praised this initiative, which he described as "representing a bold ambition" and "materializing unshakeable confidence in the future of Senegal."

The government official also highlighted CBAO’s historical roots, which date back to 1853, while emphasizing the symbolic significance of its establishment near Independence Square.

Positioning this project within the framework of the "Dakar, Metropolis 2050" vision, he emphasized the need to reconcile infrastructure modernization, economic development, and environmental requirements.

Attijariwafa Bank Accelerates Expansion in Africa

For Mohamed El Kettani, the construction of this new headquarters aligns with a continental strategy aimed at enhancing the group’s presence in major African markets.

The CEO of Attijariwafa Bank recalled the recent acquisition of Société Générale in Ghana, an operation that exemplifies the group’s interest in high-potential African markets.

He reiterated his belief that "Africa must trust Africa," underlining the role of the continent’s banks and companies in financing investments, developing trade exchanges, and strengthening regional economic integration.

Present in the Maghreb, the West African Monetary Union (UEMOA), and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), Attijariwafa Bank has a network that covers several strategic markets across the continent.

In Senegal, the group operates primarily through CBAO and Crédit du Sénégal. It is also present in Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin, Gabon, Congo, and Cameroon, as well as in Tunisia, Mauritania, and Egypt.

This regional footprint allows the group to foster commercial synergies, support businesses in their cross-border operations, and contribute to financing African economies.

CBAO: A Historic Player in Senegal’s Banking Landscape

The strategic significance of this investment is rooted in the history and position of CBAO in the Senegalese banking system.

Founded in 1853, it is one of the oldest banking institutions in West Africa.

Attijariwafa Bank’s presence in Senegal began in July 2006, with the opening of four branches in Dakar. In January 2007, the group acquired 66.70% of the capital of the Senegal-Tunisian Bank, followed by a 79.15% stake in CBAO in November of the same year.

The merger of these two entities, completed in December 2008, gave rise to CBAO Groupe Attijariwafa Bank.

As of December 31, 2025, the bank’s indicators reflect the importance of its establishment. It boasted nearly 450,000 clients, over 1,100 employees, and a network of 100 branches across Senegal, including two business centers.

Its total balance sheet stood at 1,791 billion CFA francs. The institution also has three branches in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Benin.

Covering a full range of banking services, CBAO supports individuals, professionals, businesses, and institutions. It also engages in market activities and contributes to financing various sectors of the Senegalese economy.

With this future headquarters, set to be delivered in 2030, CBAO Groupe Attijariwafa Bank aims to take its development to a new level. This project represents both the consolidation of its position in Senegal and the Moroccan group’s pan-African expansion strategy.