Coris Group Expands in Côte d’Ivoire with Launch of Coris Vie and Coris IARD
It was a momentous occasion for the Coris Group on June 19, 2025, as it officially launched two new insurance subsidiaries—Coris Assurances Vie and Coris Assurances IARD—in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This move reflects the Burkinabe financial group’s strategic intent to deepen its investment in West Africa’s growing insurance sector.
Coris Group Targets Growth in West Africa’s Insurance Market
The simultaneous rollout of Coris Vie (life insurance) and Coris IARD (Incendie, Accidents et Risques Divers or general insurance) marks a calculated effort by the Coris Group to expand beyond its home base in Burkina Faso. With rising demand for insurance products across the region—driven by a growing middle class, increasing financial literacy, and regulatory reforms—Côte d’Ivoire presents a prime opportunity for growth.
Both companies have launched with a solid financial foundation, each backed by 5 billion CFA francs in share capital (approximately 8.8 million USD). This robust capitalization is a testament to the Coris Group’s commitment to long-term stability and competitiveness in the Ivorian insurance landscape.
Coris Group Secures Regulatory Approval for Expansion
The entry of Coris Assurances Vie and Coris Assurances IARD into the Ivorian market follows full regulatory approval from the relevant authorities. These approvals affirm the Coris Group’s compliance with stringent legal, financial, and operational requirements.
Their presence is expected to contribute to enhanced market competitiveness, spur product innovation, and increase insurance penetration in a country where significant market potential remains—particularly in both life and non-life insurance segments.
Coris Group Showcases Leadership at Abidjan Launch Event
To mark the official launch, a high-profile ceremony was held in Abidjan. Key executives from the Group and its Ivorian subsidiaries were in attendance, highlighting the importance of this milestone. Distinguished guests included:
Yacouba Saré, Chief Executive Officer, Coris Group
F. Augustin Ouermi, Director of Operations, Coris Group
Lambert Zongo, Managing Director, Coris Assurances IARD Côte d’Ivoire
Sié Alain Kambiré, General Manager, Coris Assurances Vie Côte d’Ivoire
Hadaraï Rabo, Chairman of the Board, Coris Assurances IARD Côte d’Ivoire
Their collective presence demonstrated unified leadership and a shared vision for the group’s regional development strategy.
Coris Group Adopts a Dual-Pronged Insurance Strategy
Through the concurrent launch of Coris Vie and Coris IARD, the Coris Group is delivering a comprehensive portfolio of insurance products to the Ivorian market.
Coris Assurances Vie will focus on life insurance offerings, including individual and group life policies, retirement products, and savings-linked insurance solutions to address the long-term financial planning needs of Ivorian citizens.
Coris Assurances IARD will offer a wide range of general insurance services, such as property, casualty, automobile, health, and liability insurance. These products will cater to individuals, SMEs, and corporate clients.
This diversified product suite allows the Group to serve a broad spectrum of clients, drive financial inclusion, and support the economic stability of both businesses and households in Côte d’Ivoire.
Coris Group Supports Regional Economic Integration in WAEMU
The Côte d’Ivoire expansion aligns with theGroup’s broader objective of promoting regional economic integration within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Already a major player in the banking sector across West Africa, Coris is now strengthening its position in the insurance industry as well.
Through localized offerings and digital distribution models, theGroup aims to bridge service gaps left by traditional insurance channels. By doing so, it seeks to extend protection to previously underserved communities, thereby reinforcing its mission of inclusive growth.
Coris Group Eyes Innovation and Market Disruption
Looking ahead, the Coris Group plans to leverage its strong capital base, seasoned leadership, and market knowledge to drive innovation. The group has signaled interest in launching digital insurance platforms and microinsurance products to enhance accessibility and customer engagement.
In a market where insurance penetration remains low—hovering around 2%—the presence of a well-capitalized and innovation-focused group like Coris could be transformative. It offers potential to educate consumers, diversify offerings, and increase trust in formal financial services.
Conclusion: Coris Group Cements Its Role in West Africa’s Financial Landscape
The official launch of Coris Assurances Vie and Coris Assurances IARD is a pivotal development in the Coris Group’s regional growth narrative. With financial strength, regulatory endorsement, and a forward-looking strategy, the group is poised to make a significant impact on Côte d’Ivoire’s insurance market.
This strategic entry is not merely a business expansion—it is a continuation of the Coris Group’s mission to foster economic inclusion, deepen financial markets, and champion development across Francophone West Africa.
