• Bridge Bank Group plans to open a Guinea subsidiary in January 2027 as part of regional expansion.
• The group reported net profit of CFA27.2 billion ($48 million) in 2025, up 19% year-on-year.
• The bank is considering a stock market listing on the BRVM to finance growth.

Bridge Bank Group is preparing to open a banking subsidiary in Guinea in January 2027, as the lender accelerates its regional expansion strategy.

The group, which Yérim Sow controls through Teyliom Group, operates in Ivory Coast since 2006 and expanded into Senegal in 2021. It is now targeting a new growth phase, with a potential listing on the BRVM.

Bridge Bank Group, which Bridge Group West Africa owns at 77%, confirmed plans to establish the Guinean unit.

Mariama Ciré Sylla announced the project on Wednesday, April 29, after a meeting with Yérim Sow, founder of Teyliom Group. The discussions focused on the terms of the bank’s establishment in the country. If completed, the move will mark a new step in the bank’s expansion strategy and strengthen its positioning in West Africa.

The group has built a strong presence in Ivory Coast since June 2006 through the development of its banking operations and the launch of a microfinance entity, Bridge Microfinance. It then expanded into Senegal with a branch opening in 2021.

Burkina Faso, another growth lever within UEMOA

In parallel with the Guinea project, Bridge Bank Group is advancing plans to enter Burkina Faso.

To that end, Bridge Bank Côte d’Ivoire filed an application in April 2025 to obtain approval for opening a branch in the country. The bank disclosed this information on April 28, 2026, during the presentation of its 2025 annual report. This step reflects the group’s ambition to strengthen its footprint within the UEMOA and accelerate its regional growth trajectory.

Solid financial results support expansion

The expansion strategy relies on strong financial performance. In 2025, Bridge Bank Côte d’Ivoire reported net income of CFA27.2 billion ($48 million), up 19% compared with 2024.

The bank generated net banking income of CFA68 billion, up 15%, while operating expenses increased by 14%. The cost-to-income ratio improved by 12 basis points to 41.8%.

The cost of risk reached CFA6.8 billion, compared with 6.4 billion a year earlier. At the same time, customer deposits increased by 28% and lending rose by 27%, which reflects strong commercial momentum.

Bridge Group West Africa holds 77% of the group’s capital. The Caisse nationale de prévoyance sociale holds 20%, while individual investors hold the remaining 3%.

By 2026, the group aims to operate in four countries. Moreover, Yérim Sow is advancing a plan to list Bridge Bank on the BRVM. Such a move would provide additional funding to support expansion and enhance the group’s visibility in regional financial markets.

This article was initially published in French by Chamberline Moko

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum