Ouattara urges national unity to build ‘Greater Côte d’Ivoire’

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has renewed his commitment to propelling Côte d’Ivoire toward accelerated economic emergence by urging all national stakeholders to unite behind a shared vision he terms the “Greater Côte d’Ivoire.” This rallying cry, issued at the dawn of a new political phase, underscores the Head of State’s determination to unite administrative, economic, religious, and community leaders around a cohesive national project. The timing is critical as Abidjan seeks to leverage a decade of robust growth to achieve a structural transformation.

Uniting ivorian stakeholders for collective progress

The presidential appeal targets every segment of Ivorian society. Government institutions, political parties, private enterprises, civil society organizations, traditional leadership, and the diaspora are all called upon to align behind a unified agenda. This integrative approach highlights a key insight: national success hinges on broad-based engagement rather than the sole initiative of the executive branch. The timing of this call is significant, arriving at a juncture where political stability and policy continuity are more pressing than ever.

For Alassane Ouattara, this initiative builds on the core priorities established since 2011, focusing on industrialization, rural infrastructure development, and positioning Abidjan as a regional hub. The president aims to convert strong macroeconomic performance—marked by average growth exceeding 6% in recent years—into tangible social benefits for households. The “Greater Côte d’Ivoire” vision encapsulates both goals: reinforcing economic indicators while ensuring more equitable wealth distribution.

Long-term economic and political strategy

Economically, the promise of an expanded Côte d’Ivoire encompasses several ongoing flagship projects. The Port of Abidjan continues its expansion, while the Port of San Pedro is scaling up in mining and agricultural sectors. The highway network is pushing northward toward Burkina Faso and Mali, with aims to strengthen West African logistics corridors. The energy sector, long seen as a vulnerability following the 2024 supply crisis, is receiving major investments to secure production and diversify energy sources.

The political dimension is equally pivotal. By reaching out to national stakeholders, the Ivorian leader seeks to broaden support for his agenda beyond the ruling Rassemblement des houphouëtistes pour la démocratie et la paix (RHDP). This strategic outreach reflects a broader calculation: large-scale infrastructure and economic transformation projects require a minimum consensus to withstand political transitions. The emphasis on the nation rather than a single political camp signals a long-term vision.

Inclusive approach rooted in historical continuity

The language chosen is deliberate. By invoking the “Greater Côte d’Ivoire,” the administration draws on a political tradition pioneered by founding President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, where national ambition was expressed through unifying slogans. This deliberate connection aims to ground the current presidency in historical legitimacy and mitigate criticisms of excessive personalization of power. Yet, the actual implementation hinges on the state’s ability to translate this political vision into functional operational measures.

Analysts emphasize that the success of this project depends on measurable progress in governance, business climate improvement, and reducing territorial inequalities. Northern and central regions, lagging in infrastructure compared to the coastal areas, remain top priorities. Additionally, the challenge of youth inclusion—over 75% of the population is under 35—poses a structural hurdle. The president’s call will only gain real traction if it translates into concrete mechanisms for involving the mentioned actors in decision-making processes.