Kobenan Adjoumani Highlights Côte d’Ivoire’s Economic Strengths for Africa
The recent forum, titled “Made in Côte d’Ivoire, Made for Africa,” showcased the nation’s potential as an industrial powerhouse in Africa. The event took place on December 4 in Cocody, with Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, Ivorian Minister of Agriculture, representing Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé.
Kobenan Adjoumani and Economic Strengths of Côte d’Ivoire
The forum was part of the 43rd multisectoral mission organized by the Africa Development Club (Cad) of the Attijariwafa Bank Group. It brought together African public decision-makers and investors with a common goal: to position Côte d’Ivoire as a key industrial hub on the continent.
International Cooperation and Production Ambitions
- Côte d’Ivoire aims to strengthen South-South cooperation.
- The country focuses on building a competitive local industrial fabric.
- It serves as a strategic platform for institutional investors and economic operators from across Africa.
Adjoumani highlighted the significance of hosting this forum, stating that it underscores Côte d’Ivoire’s substantial economic potential. He noted the nation’s structural transformation vision aligns with the President’s goal of emphasizing industrialization as a fundamental pillar of economic growth.
Consistent Economic Growth
In the last fifteen years, Côte d’Ivoire has experienced sustained economic growth, becoming one of Africa’s most dynamic economies. Key macroeconomic indicators have shown continuous improvement, fostering an attractive business environment.
Government Initiatives to Boost Investment
Adjoumani outlined several government initiatives designed to enhance the country’s attractiveness:
- Simplifying administrative procedures.
- Improving the business climate.
- Facilitating access to financing, especially for SMEs.
- Accelerating the local transformation of raw materials.
- Promoting financial inclusion.
He emphasized that every reform and public investment aims to create a conducive environment for prosperity, innovation, and value creation.
Strategic Goals of the Forum
The forum emphasized two critical themes: “Made in Côte d’Ivoire” focusing on local production and transformation, and “Made for Africa” targeting access to African markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Minister of Commerce and Industry Souleymane Diarrassouba reinforced the potential for Côte d’Ivoire to emerge as a regional industrial leader.
Encouraging International Investment
Mohamed El Ghazi, CEO of Société ivoirienne de banque (Sib), affirmed the forum’s role in showcasing the resilience and credibility of the Ivorian economy. He encouraged investors to establish long-term operations in the country, either independently or in partnership with local entities.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
Mouna K. Adiri, director of the Africa Development Club, expressed satisfaction with the strong turnout of business operators. She noted that the pan-African community has engaged over 24,000 companies from 42 African nations, facilitating more than 31,000 business meetings in key sectors over the past 15 years.
As the forum concluded on December 5, it featured thematic panels, B2B meetings, and a tour of the Transcao industrial complex, reflecting a commitment to building a productive, integrated, and supportive Africa.
