Côte d’Ivoire stands at a pivotal moment in its economic journey, leveraging 15 years of sustained growth to cultivate a new generation of homegrown corporate leaders. These emerging champions nationaux are poised to become the driving force behind the country’s ambitious Plan national de développement 2026-2030, aimed at propelling Côte d’Ivoire into the ranks of upper-middle-income nations by the end of the decade.
local entrepreneurs fuel economic transformation
In the bustling industrial hub of Yopougon, on the outskirts of Abidjan, women workers meticulously fill rows of bottles with shea butter-infused cosmetics. Among them is Fodé Yattabaré, founder and CEO of Kaera, a beauty company that began humbly in a modest apartment in the late 2000s. Today, Kaera employs 600 people and exports its products to over 30 countries across West Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
“The ecosystem here fosters entrepreneurship like ours,” Yattabaré explains. “It gives us the confidence to dream bigger. Our next goal? Conquering the European market.” Kaera is one of many success stories emerging from Côte d’Ivoire’s thriving business landscape, where innovation and resilience are reshaping the nation’s economic narrative.
digital finance and energy set the pace
Régis Bamba, co-founder of Djamo, a fintech start-up launched in 2020, highlights the role of technology in democratizing access to financial services. Djamo bridges the gap between traditional banking and mobile payments, offering a seamless solution that has already attracted two million users—many of whom were previously unbanked.
“Côte d’Ivoire’s stability is a major asset,” Bamba notes. “The country boasts excellent infrastructure, a secure environment, and strong investor confidence. That stability makes fundraising far more achievable.” Djamo, like Kaera and Pétro Ivoire—a leading fuel distributor—represents the kind of champions nationaux that Côte d’Ivoire hopes will inspire and uplift smaller businesses, creating a ripple effect of growth and opportunity.
national champions: pillars of development
Sébastien Kadio Morokro, CEO of Pétro Ivoire, underscores the responsibility that comes with being a national champion. “This role carries a duty of exemplarity,” he says. “The government’s role is to invest significantly in these champions, who then train, educate, and generate value, enabling reinvestment into the economy.”
The government’s commitment is clear. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Planning, outlines the strategy: “We’re implementing policies to support SMEs, because every champion starts as a seedling. They need nurturing, guidance, and an enabling environment to flourish.” The goal? To cultivate “hundreds of national champions” in the coming years, transforming Côte d’Ivoire’s economic landscape.
record funding fuels ambitious vision
Investor confidence is at an all-time high. In early July, Côte d’Ivoire secured $80 billion in public international financing for its 2026-2030 development plan—four times the initial target. An additional $150 billion is expected from the private sector, signaling strong belief in the country’s trajectory.
Blaise Makaye, an economist at the Université de Bouaké, sees this as the final phase of Côte d’Ivoire’s strategy to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030. “This means raising the annual gross income per capita to over $4,000, from the current $2,700,” he explains. Despite a still-dominant informal sector—accounting for nearly 90% of jobs—the macroeconomic indicators are green. In December, Fitch Ratings upgraded Côte d’Ivoire’s sovereign credit rating to BB, reflecting improved economic stability.
digitalization and regional integration: unlocking potential
Entrepreneurs are calling for accelerated digitalization to streamline business processes. “Digitizing administration widens the tax base, increasing revenue for development,” Makaye points out. Recent oil and gas discoveries are also expected to provide a significant boost.
Another priority is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “The main hurdle? Divergent regulations across African countries,” Yattabaré says. “With AfCFTA, we can achieve greater harmonization.” Bamba adds, “More free trade means more business opportunities, simplified processes, and unlocked value.”
a bright future ahead
With a strategic vision, robust investment, and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, Côte d’Ivoire is carving a path toward sustainable growth. The rise of national champions is not just about corporate success—it’s about lifting entire communities, fostering innovation, and positioning Côte d’Ivoire as a beacon of progress in West Africa.
