Côte d’Ivoire showcases economic transformation vision at high-level forum
The Ivory Coast’s commitment to mobilising resources for sustainable development took center stage this week, as senior government officials presented the nation’s priorities to the African Development Bank (AfDB). Dr Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, representing the Minister of Planning and Development, led the delegation at the launch of the 2026 Côte d’Ivoire Country Report (RP-CI) and the West Africa Economic Outlook (PER-AO) in Abidjan. The event, held under the theme “Scaling up resource mobilisation for Africa’s development in a fragmented global landscape”, brought together AfDB representatives, national and international financial institutions, private sector leaders, and Ivorian officials.
National development plan aligns with continental growth ambitions
Under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara, the Ivorian Government has made resource mobilisation a cornerstone of its economic transformation strategy. This aligns closely with the 2026–2030 National Development Plan (PND), which relies on enhanced public-private financing to drive progress. The plan’s implementation reflects the country’s broader goal of achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 objectives, with Ivorian growth projected at 6.5% in 2025—well above the continental average of 3.9%.
Challenges and opportunities in financing Africa’s future
Addressing the audience, Pr Loesse Jacques ESSO, Director of Cabinet for the Minister of Planning and Development, praised the strong partnership between Côte d’Ivoire and the AfDB. He highlighted the critical role of the reports in shaping public policy and guiding development dialogues with international partners.
With the PND 2026–2030 requiring 114,838.5 billion FCFA (approximately $209 billion), financing remains a key challenge. However, the success of the July 8–9, 2026 Consultative Group meeting—where partners pledged 80 billion dollars (47,820 billion FCFA)—demonstrates robust international confidence in Ivory Coast’s development vision and its ability to attract large-scale investments.
Key strategies for sustainable economic growth
The discussions underscored a shared continental priority: unlocking the massive resources needed to accelerate structural economic transformation across Africa. Critical pathways include:
- Boosting domestic revenue generation
- Expanding private capital participation
- Strengthening African financial systems
- Deepening regional integration through initiatives like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Pr Loesse Jacques ESSO urged stakeholders to engage deeply with the reports’ insights and recommendations. He called for collaborative contributions to refine strategies that address shared challenges, leverage emerging opportunities, and define collective responsibilities across public administrations, the private sector, financial institutions, and civil society—both in Ivory Coast and across the region.
