Aga Khan Development Network: Aga Khan in CÃ´te d'Ivoire

CÃ´te d'Ivoire, Africa, 28 April to 1 May 2008 - Microfinance agency launched: In addition to official meetings, His Highness was in Cote d'Ivoire to launch the PremiÃ¨re Agence de Microfinance (PAMF), which is to start operations in the areas of Boundiali and Dianra in northern CÃ´te d'Ivoire. It joins two sister microfinance institutions, in Mali and Burkina Faso, which were launched in 2006. PAMF will serve disadvantaged communities through a network that is expected to grow to over eight branches by 2012. Loans are primarily intended for income-generating activities, and are designed to improve agricultural productivity, acquire livestock and establish small enterprises in rural and urban areas.

	Foreign Minister Youssouf Bakayoko and His Highness the Aga Khan during the renditions of the Nashid-al-Imamah and the national anthem of CÃ´te d'Ivoire. - Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte


	His Highness the Aga Khan meeting with President Laurent Gbagbo of the Republic of CÃ´te dâ€™Ivoire at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan. - Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte


	His Highness the Aga Khan touring Filtisac, an economic development project of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED). Several AKFED companies in West Africa manufacture and print packaging used to bring a variety of products to market, including cocoa, coffee, flour, fertilizers, cement, cotton and flowers for export. - Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte


	His Highness the Aga Khan visiting the medical clinic at Filtisac that serves employees and their family members. - Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte


	His Highness the Aga Khan inspecting polypropylene bags produced by Filtisac. Filtisac is listed on the Abidjan stock exchange. - Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte