Ivory Coast showcases development financing strategies at African Development Bank event
Ivory Coast leads high-level discussion on mobilizing development resources
The Ivory Coast Government recently took center stage in Abidjan to present its strategy for securing large-scale financing to drive the country’s economic transformation. Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, representing the Minister of Planning and Development, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Loesse Jacques ESSO, who led the launch ceremony for the 2026 Côte d’Ivoire Country Report and the West Africa Economic Outlook by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The event, held on July 28, gathered key stakeholders including AfDB representatives, national and international financial institutions, the private sector, and Ivorian government officials. Under the theme “Scaling up resource mobilization for Africa’s development in a fragmented world”, discussions focused on innovative financing solutions to support the country’s long-term growth ambitions.
Ivory Coast’s economic growth ambitions align with continental priorities
Under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara, the Government of Ivory Coast has made resource mobilization a cornerstone of its economic transformation agenda. This strategy is embedded in the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030, which relies on increased public and private financing to achieve its objectives.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Planning and Development, Professor Loesse Jacques ESSO highlighted the strong partnership between Ivory Coast and the AfDB. He emphasized that the reports released by the Bank serve as critical decision-making tools, shaping public policies and guiding development partnerships.
The economic outlook for Africa remains positive, with growth projected at 3.9% in 2025. Ivory Coast is leading the way with an estimated growth rate of 6.5%, positioning the country well to meet the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Financing the National Development Plan: a major challenge and opportunity
The total financing required for the PND 2026-2030 is estimated at 114,838.5 billion West African CFA francs—equivalent to approximately $209 billion. Successfully mobilizing these resources is central to Ivory Coast’s economic transformation.
The recent Consultative Group meeting held on July 8-9, 2026, demonstrated the country’s strong appeal to international investors, securing commitments totaling 80 billion dollars (about 47,820 billion West African CFA francs). This achievement underscores global confidence in Ivory Coast’s development vision and its ability to attract large-scale financing for national priorities.
Continent-wide call for stronger resource mobilization
Beyond Ivory Coast’s experience, Professor ESSO stressed that the key findings of the reports reflect a shared continental challenge: the urgent need to accelerate the structural transformation of African economies through increased domestic resource mobilization, greater private sector engagement, and deeper regional financial integration.
He pointed to initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as critical tools for enhancing financial cooperation and trade across the continent.
Strengthening collective action for sustainable development financing
In closing, Professor Loesse Jacques ESSO urged participants to engage deeply with the insights and recommendations presented in both reports. He called for collaborative reflection among government agencies, the private sector, financial institutions, and civil society to develop more effective development financing policies—both in Ivory Coast and across West Africa.
