Côte d’Ivoire outlines strategic development vision at major African economic forum

The future of African development was mapped out during a high-level gathering where policymakers, financial institutions and economists converged to chart sustainable growth pathways. The annual African Economic Conference served as the platform for this strategic dialogue, hosted at the African Development Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan.

The Côte d’Ivoire delegation, led by Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Planning and Development, took center stage to present the nation’s ambitious development roadmap. His address was delivered alongside key figures including Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group, alongside representatives from the United Nations, UNDP and OECD—all co-organizers of the event with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

This gathering brings together annually the most influential voices in African economic policy: finance ministers, chief economists from multilateral banks, central bank governors, leading researchers and public decision-makers. Their mission: to analyze the continent’s most pressing economic transformations and define collective strategies for the years ahead.

In a global environment shaped by shifting geopolitical alliances and evolving development financing models, Côte d’Ivoire seized the opportunity to highlight its proven track record in strategic planning and investment mobilization. The nation’s National Development Plan 2026-2030 was showcased as a model for translating vision into tangible progress through targeted public policies, durable institutional reforms and an enabling business environment.

As Governor of the African Development Bank for Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Diarrassouba emphasized the government’s commitment to forward-looking policies designed to attract investment and foster sustainable growth. The Ivorian delegation underscored the nation’s role as a proactive contributor to shaping continental economic discourse, drawing on its experience in policy coordination, public-private partnership mobilization and inclusive development strategies.