Abidjan: 21st Annual Conference of Bank and Financial Institution Lawyers
Theme: Legal Management for the Profitability and Sustainability of Banks in Africa
1. The Context
Founded in 2000 in Dakar under the initiative of the Club of Bank and Financial Institution Executives of Africa, the African Association of Bank and Financial Institution Lawyers (AJBEF) organizes annual training and reflection days on banking and legal themes.
Beyond serving as a framework for exchanges and the professional development of bank lawyers, AJBEF also aims to collaborate with decision-makers in African countries to improve the legal environment for banks and financial institutions on the continent.
Following the success of the conference held in Conakry from November 14 to 16, 2023, the next edition will take place from November 4 to 7, 2024, in Abidjan. The scientific committee, aiming to gather more expertise, is issuing a public call for contributions for this new format.
2. Objectives
The annual conference aims primarily to ensure the continuous training of bank lawyers in Africa and to introduce non-lawyer banking personnel to legal matters.
The ultimate goal of AJBEF is to contribute to the profitability and sustainability of banking institutions to support the African economy. Through these conferences, AJBEF addresses the legal issues faced by banks and financial institutions and provides tailored solutions.
3. Expectations for the Abidjan 2024 Conference
The topics addressed will be related to current issues on the continent, including:
- The state of banking regulation in different monetary zones
- Credit security
- Digitalization
- Banking compliance
- The challenges faced by bank lawyers in their daily work
Recommendations and points of reflection arising from these discussions will be followed up throughout the year. Speakers are expected to focus on practical and concrete aspects to provide immediate benefits to participants. Bank lawyers are encouraged to actively participate by joining various commissions or working groups and by making direct contributions related to their professional expertise.
4. How to Contribute to the Success of the 21st Conference?
4.1. You are a Professional (Non-Lawyer Banking Professional)
If you have at least 10 years of professional experience and wish to contribute to securing the legal environment for banks in Africa, please:
- Choose a sub-theme you wish to address
- Provide a half-page concept note (understanding of the sub-theme and your proposed approach)
- Attach your CV
4.2. You are a Bank Lawyer
Two options are available:
4.2.1. To Lead a Presentation
If you have at least 5 years of banking practice and the topic is directly relevant to your daily work, please:
- Choose a sub-theme you wish to address
- Provide a half-page note (understanding of the sub-theme and your proposed approach)
- Attach your CV
4.2.2. For Other Contributions (Commissions, Panel Discussions, Resolution and Recommendation Teams, Action Monitoring Committee)
Work in commissions and other contributions is open to all participants. Preferences for these contributions will be collected during conference registration. The registration dossier will be made public after the call for contributions phase.
5. Compensation for Contributors
As a volunteer organization with limited funds, AJBEF cannot offer significant remuneration. However, it provides an exceptional environment for enrichment to all speakers and participants.
5.1. For Professionals (Non-Lawyer Banking Professionals)
AJBEF will cover the travel and accommodation expenses for selected speakers. Those not selected will benefit from preferential registration conditions.
5.2. For Bank Lawyers
Selected applicants will be exempt from registration fees. However, travel and accommodation costs will be the responsibility of the institutions they represent.
6. Deadlines
- August 31, 2024: Expression of interest to the scientific committee
- September 5, 2024: Responses to individuals selected for presentations
- October 15, 2024: Receipt of presentations in PowerPoint, accompanied by a summary, a biographical note, and a photo
- November 4, 2024: Debate dinner (preliminary event to the conference)
- November 5-7, 2024: Conference held in Abidjan
Expressions of interest and presentations should be sent by the specified deadlines to: ajbef24@gmail.com
Organizer
Founded in 2000 in Dakar, the African Association of Bank and Financial Institution Lawyers (AJBEF) was established under the initiative of the Club of Bank and Financial Institution Executives of Africa. Its primary goal is to promote excellence in the legal field of banking throughout the African continent.
Mission and Objectives
AJBEF is dedicated to organizing annual training and reflection days on banking and legal themes. These events provide bank lawyers with the opportunity to enhance their skills and exchange views on best practices as well as legislative and regulatory developments.
Beyond this dimension of training and exchange, AJBEF aims to collaborate with decision-makers in African countries to improve the legal environment for banks and financial institutions. By working to refine this legal framework, the association seeks to strengthen the stability and effectiveness of the banking sector on the continent.
Activities and Contributions
- Training and Seminars: AJBEF regularly organizes events to train banking professionals on legal developments and best practices.
- Reflection and Development: The association facilitates forums to discuss challenges and opportunities in the banking sector, providing solutions tailored to African realities.
- Collaboration with Decision-Makers: AJBEF works with political decision-makers and regulators to propose reforms that improve the legal framework and promote a more transparent and secure environment for banking operations.
In summary, AJBEF plays a crucial role in enhancing the legal skills of banking professionals in Africa and in fostering a legal environment conducive to the growth and stability of the financial sector.
