Cote d’Ivoire

Considered the economic powerhouse of Francophone West Africa, this country of over 30 million people has consistently achieved some of the continent’s fastest growth rates, owing to its savvy macroeconomic policies and relatively stable institutions. In recent years, the government’s focus on economic transformation away from commodity exports has led to increased value-added processing contributions to GDP and job creation across various sectors, including renewable energy, digital economy, banking and manufacturing. The country’s strengths also include a diverse array of resources, ranging from agricultural wealth (as the world’s largest producer of cocoa and cashew nuts, and a top producer of coffee, sugar and rubber) to mineral wealth (including hydrocarbons, gold, copper and iron). Moreover, with over 70% of its population under 35, Côte d’Ivoire benefits from a large, youthful and cost-effective workforce.

However, challenges persist. The country remains vulnerable to climatic hazards and fluctuations in commodity prices. Corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and uneven access to banking services further hinder entrepreneurial initiatives. A substantial informal economy and a significant wealth gap between urban and rural centers pose additional challenges.