Ivorian entrepreneurs to drive 2026 economic plan
The Ivorian government has unveiled a bold economic strategy centered on empowering local private enterprises, positioning them as the driving force behind the nation’s development over the next decade. These designated national champions aim to shift the country’s growth model from one reliant on public investment to a private-sector-led economy.
Strategic sectors identified for national champions
Four key industries have been prioritized for this initiative: natural cosmetics, digital banking, fuel distribution, and aviation. Kaera, a leading natural cosmetics brand, employs 600 people and exports to 30 countries, showcasing the potential of high-value local production. Meanwhile, Djamo, a fintech startup launched in 2020, has already amassed 2 million users, highlighting the rapid expansion of digital financial services in Côte d’Ivoire. Petro Ivoire, a major fuel distributor, is another key player in this strategy to boost domestic value creation.
This initiative aligns with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030, which targets an average annual growth rate of 7.2% by 2030. The plan focuses on fostering local value chains and creating sustainable jobs in high-potential sectors.
Over $80 billion in international commitments secured
In July, the Ivorian government secured more than $80 billion in international funding to support the NDP 2026–2030. These funds will be allocated to infrastructure development, private-sector support, and strategic sector growth.
The PEPITE-CI 2030 program, launched by the Ministry of Finance, provides targeted assistance to high-potential businesses. In December 2025, the first cohort identified 27 winning enterprises, which now receive technical, financial, and strategic support to accelerate their expansion.
Côte d’Ivoire’s economic landscape
Over the past 15 years, Côte d’Ivoire has maintained strong growth, driven by public investments in infrastructure and agriculture. As the world’s top cocoa producer, the country serves as a key economic hub in West Africa. The NDP 2026–2030 marks a pivotal shift toward a private-sector-driven economy, particularly amid rising regional competition from Ghana and Senegal.
This strategy mirrors broader trends in Africa, where nations like Senegal are also leveraging national champions to diversify their economies. Côte d’Ivoire is banking on its demographic dynamism and strategic location to attract further foreign investment.
Building a competitive regional economy
The government’s goal is to cultivate a robust ecosystem of businesses capable of competing at both regional and global levels. By reducing reliance on raw material exports, the strategy aims to develop high-value local industries, enhance competitiveness, and create large-scale employment opportunities in the coming years.
While the timeline for rolling out additional support to future PEPITE-CI cohorts remains unspecified, the success of this approach hinges on the ability of these enterprises to sustain growth and generate substantial employment in the long term.
