Simon Tiemtoré, the American-Burkinabe businessman, has established himself as a powerhouse in Africa’s economic development, particularly within the banking sector. Founder and Chairman of Lilium Group LLC, a strategic investment company based in the United States and focused on Africa, Tiemtoré has championed growth in key sectors such as financial services, energy, hospitality, agribusiness, health, and FMCG.
With over 18 years of experience spanning legal, tax, banking, and financial fields, Tiemtoré brings a deep well of expertise to his role as Chairman of the Vista Banking and Insurance Group. Operating across multiple countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Vista Bank has made significant strides under Tiemtoré’s leadership, becoming a prominent player in Africa’s banking sector.
Tiemtoré’s career began after he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ouagadougou, followed by a Master of Laws from New York University School of Law. He then joined the New York Bar, specializing in international and economic law, and gained critical experience at PwC and Skadden Arps in New York. His strategic insights into global finance were further honed at Morgan Stanley, where he oversaw mergers, acquisitions, and asset management across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
In Africa, Tiemtoré’s impact truly accelerated when he became Head of Corporate Finance and Advisory Services at Afreximbank until 2015. His work there laid the groundwork for large-scale investment and capital market operations that boosted economic growth across African nations. Leveraging this expertise, he acquired key banking assets to create Vista Bank Group, which operates in Guinea, Gambia, and Sierra Leone, and further expanded through the acquisition of BNP Paribas subsidiaries in Burkina Faso and Guinea.
In 2023, Vista Bank achieved a major milestone by acquiring Oragroup SA, the parent company of Orabank, and reached a high-profile agreement with Société Générale for the acquisition of its subsidiaries in Burkina Faso and Mozambique. These moves positioned Vista Bank as a major force in West and Central African financial services, meeting the region’s rising demand for accessible, robust banking solutions.
While Tiemtoré’s achievements are substantial, his commitment to Africa extends beyond business. In response to the economic and humanitarian crises facing Burkina Faso, Vista Bank has supported several community projects, including the GO PAGA project in Bobo-Dioulasso and a social reintegration center in Kaya. He also contributes to the TEN Children Foundation, supporting orphanages across Africa, and co-chairs the Financial Institutions Working Group for the United States Chamber of Commerce – Africa.
