Includes information on acceptable business etiquette, dress, business cards, gifts, etc.
Last Published: 11/15/2018

Information on business travel needed to participate in AfDB funded projects is specific to the countries in which the projects are conducted, not to the AfDB itself. To learn about the aspects of doing business in countries that interest your firm, see the “Business Travel” section of each country’s Country Commercial Guide. Consider the information listed here when planning to visit the AfDB’s Headquarters located in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. 

It is also recommended to review the State Department’s Travel website to learn more about your destination in terms of visas, travel warnings, and other important things to know as you plan your visit.

U.S. businessmen and women interested in visiting the African Development Bank in Côte d’Ivoire should take note of its Visa requirements. All visitors are required to have a visa, except nationals of ECOWAS member countries, as well as countries that have signed special travel agreements. While conducting business in the AfDB, guests must present themselves in formal business attire. The official languages of the AfDB are English and French. The AfDB provides Language Services, which include assistance with translations and interpretations. The AfDB is located in the Greenwich Mean Time Zone (UTC). It is important to plan your meetings in advance, and to be flexible with AfDB staff’s schedule and travel plans. Operating hours for the AfDB’s HQ are generally 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday, and closed Saturday and Sunday. The AfDB is closed on national holidays in Côte d’Ivoire.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.