Ariane Kouassi is a Digital Financial Inclusion Specialist with eight years of extensive experience in digital finance, microfinance, and market research in Francophone Africa. She contributes to advancing the implementation of the CGAP Resilient Rural Women project in Côte d'Ivoire, bringing her strategic, technical, and operational expertise in gender, business, inclusive finance, climate, and digital tools and services, particularly in rural areas.
Prior to CGAP, Ariane held several significant positions, including Project Manager and Country Director for the international NGO People Power Inclusion (PPI) in Côte d'Ivoire. Ariane has also been an Independent Consultant for various consulting firms such as Horus Development Finance, PHB Development, Microsave Consulting, and Kaikai, contributing to multi-country studies and research missions, national strategy evaluations, training programs, and the digitization of agricultural value chains in West and Central Africa.
Ariane's academic background includes a Master’s degree in Project Management from Senghor University in Alexandria, Egypt, and a Bachelor's degree in Business and Organizations Management from CESAG Business School in Senegal. She also holds certificates in Agency Banking, Digital Currency, Gender Equality, Responsible Digital Payments, and Financial Inclusion. Ariane is based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.