About us

Who are we?

A leading bank in Marutiania for 20 years,
serving individuals, businesses, and institutions

of Operations in Mauritania​
0 Years
customers trust us
+ 0
locations
 throughout the country
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OUR HISTORY

One institution, three chapters, one ambition

Founded in 2006, the Banque Internationale d’Investissement (BII) has experienced two
decades of growth, transformation, and commitment to its mission: to be the
preferred banking partner in Mauritania.

2006 Foundation

The Birth of the BII

By the Ballouhey Group, with support from the European
Investment Bank and technical assistance from the Dutch banking group ING.
A bank founded with international ambitions and deep local roots

2007: A New Chapter

Groupe Société Générale acquires an equity stake

BII has been renamed Société Générale Mauritanie (SGM). Backed by one of Europe’s leading banking groups, the bank meets the highest international standards in compliance, risk management, and innovation.

2009-2011: Territorial grid

Ouverture des agences de Province à Rosso, Selibaby, Zouerate et Nouadhibou

2010-2022

  • Issuance of the first Visa cards in Mauritania
  • Launch of the first online bank in Mauritania
  • First dedicated wealth management offering
  • Comprehensive corporate offering:
    Development of a complete, customized corporate banking solution featuring over $150 million in credit lines for international trade and strategic imports

2023 

Société Générale announces its withdrawal from Africa, impacting SGM.

2025 Back to Basics

BII is reverting to its original name

The Enko Capital and Oronte consortium acquires the shares held by Société Générale. To mark its 20th anniversary, the bank reverts to its original name: Banque Internationale d’Investissement (BII). A new chapter begins, staying true to the values that have always guided the institution (customer focus, financial strength, and high standards) under the leadership of Nicolas Roca, who brings nearly 20 years of experience with the Société Générale Group.

Heritage & Innovation

Historical pioneer in Mauritania

Since our creation, we have opened the way for modern banking. More than a bank, we are the first partners of Mauritanian ambition.
Major Innovation 2007

1st  international Compliance system

Historical deployment of KYC, AML-CFT, OFAC and FATCA standards for world-class banking security in Mauritania.

National First 2010

1st  Visa cards

Issuance of the country's very first Visa bank cards, revolutionizing payment methods.

Digital Pioneer 2011

1st  Online Bank

Remote banking services via Internet and SMS, enabling our clients to access their balance and operations.

Excellence 2014

1st  dedicated wealth management offering

Personalized support for wealth management and transfer.

Sustainable Commitment 2006–2025

Credit for all

Pioneering democratization of access to financing, making financial services accessible to both individuals and professionals.

Responsibility 2022

Committed to serving Society

CSR becomes a strategic pillar with 100% of our employees trained on climate issues (Climate Fresk).

Our ambitions

What we are today

The BII of 2026 carries the same values and the same DNA as the BII of 2006: rigor, proximity and the ambition to contribute to Mauritania's development.

Solidity & TRUST

  • Independent governance compliant with international standards.
  • Solid equity in continuous strengthening (BCM).
  • Decisions made locally through formalized procedures.

Service continuity

  • Maintaining historical operational standards of rigor.
  • Continuity of teams and excellent service quality.
  • Solid ownership and experienced leadership.

PERFORMANCE, OPENNESS & MODERNIZATION

  • Modernization of tools (Internet Banking, digital).
  • Strengthening IT systems, security and compliance.
  • Expanded access to international expertise and solutions.
Our commitment

Our promise to you

A trusted relationship built on 20 years of excellence.

For our clients

  • Financial solutions tailored to every stage.
  • Personalized support and proximity.
  • Customer satisfaction at the heart of our performance.

For our employees

  • Valuing internal talent.
  • Continuous skills development.
  • Motivating work environment.

For Mauritania

  • Contribution to economic development.
  • CSR and civic commitment.
  • Expanded access to financial services.
Governance

Deeply rooted
international ownership

BII is backed by two complementary shareholders, united by a shared conviction: to make BII the leading bank in Mauritania, connected to major global financial networks.

Oronte
  • Private French family group founded over 50 years ago, present in Mauritania for more than 25 years, with operational roots in key sectors of the national economy
  • Activities: logistics, agri-food, international trading, forestry, financial services
  • Presence in nearly 10 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East
  • Several partnerships with major international groups: Rougier, Huracana, Seaboard

Bastien Ballouhey — Founder and Chairman of the Board of Société Générale Mauritanie

Has ensured strategic governance for nearly 20 years alongside Société Générale.

Enko Capital
  • International investment fund based in London, founded by finance professionals who worked at JP Morgan, Crédit Suisse, Proparco and Ecobank
  • +1 billion USD of assets under management or structuring on behalf of institutional, sovereign and multilateral investors
  • Specialization: private debt, sovereign debt, hybrid instruments, impact funds
  • Expertise recognized in structured finance, bond issuances, syndications and public-private partnerships
  • Operates in more than 15 African countries, with offices in London, Abidjan, Johannesburg, Kigali, Mauritius and Douala

Alain Nkontchou — Co-Founder of Enko Capital

Historical involvement with Ecobank (major shareholder). Ecobank is present in 35 African countries and on major international platforms (Paris).

Governance & Management

▸ Board of Directors

BB
Bastien Ballouhey
Chairman of the Board
Polytechnique/INSEAD engineer. Founder since 2006. Investor in Mauritania for 25 years.
AN
Alain Nkontchou
Co-Founder of ENKO
ESCP/Centrale Supélec. Ex-JP Morgan, Crédit Suisse. Former Chairman of Ecobank.

▸ Executive Management

A dedicated advisor at your service

Enjoy personalized support for all your financial projects