By Staff
Côte d’Ivoire has experienced remarkable economic growth since 2012, driven by advancements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the agriculture sector. The country has maintained a consistent GDP growth rate averaging around 7% over the past decade, establishing itself as a significant player in the West African region. “Côte d’Ivoire’s economy is ripe for companies to invest”, says H. E. Ambassador Ibrahima Touré, Côte d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to Washington, DC.
The Ivorian government is committed to fostering a stable democracy and improving economic conditions, recognizing that continued cooperation with international organizations and foreign nations, particularly along the lines of trade, investment, culture and education, are critical for the country’s ongoing development. According to Ambassador Touré, “We are reaching out to international corporations, organizations, institutions, the Afro-American and Caribbean communities, the African Diaspora, inviting them to look at Côte d’Ivoire, visit, and to invest in Côte d’Ivoire”. As a gateway to West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire serves as a strategic hub for trade, providing access to a market of 135 million inhabitants in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) zone and represents the second most dynamic economy of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) after Nigeria.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to
the United States of America
The Ambassador is organizing a delegation to Côte d’Ivoire from May 28 to June 4, 2025. The date was deliberately chosen so that this cultural and economic discovery trip coincides with the Agriculture and Animal Resources Fair (SARA), thus providing a framework for discovery and interaction with the Ivorian business community. The tour also includes visits to cultural and historical sites in Abidjan (the largest and most developed city, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire, is sometimes referred to as the Manhattan of Africa), Grand-Bassam (the first capital of the country under French colonial rule), Yamoussoukro (the political city), Abengourou (a city that houses the residence of the king of Indénié Kingdom founded in the 18th century), as well as a day devoted to discussions on investment opportunities across multiple sectors. The Ambassador’s Washington, DC, office is working closely with the ministries in charge of Foreign Affairs, Culture, and Tourism as well as the institutions promoting investments in Côte d’Ivoire.
Rich in natural resources, including cocoa, cashew nut, coffee, minerals (gold, coltan), oil and gas, Côte d’Ivoire stands as the world’s largest exporter of cocoa and cashew nut, creating ample opportunities in agriculture and agro-industry. The government has initiated significant investments in infrastructure—roads, transportation, large-capacity port terminal, energy, and telecommunications—which enhance logistics and connectivity for businesses operating within its borders and beyond. As part of an electricity network interconnection project, Côte d’Ivoire supplies electricity to Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. “This commitment from the Ivorian government and investment in infrastructure provides a level of comfort that businesses can identify with when looking for new opportunities”, H.E. Ibrahima Touré.
Mr. Stanley Straughter, the Chairman of The African Caribbean Business Council of Greater Philadelphia states that businesses are seeking opportunities to expand where they can see returns on their investments. Serving a population of over 30 million (2024) and providing access to a market of 135 million people, Côte d’Ivoire and the sub-region presents a burgeoning market with an increasing demand for diverse products and services. To attract foreign investment, the Ivorian government has introduced several initiatives, including tax incentives, investment codes, and a commitment to improving the ease of doing business.
The government is focused on sustainable practices, with plans to enhance renewable energy capacities and promote eco-friendly investments, appealing to socially responsible investors. They are also embracing rapid digital transformation, Côte d’Ivoire is witnessing growth in sectors such as FinTech, e-commerce, and telecommunications, attracting technology-savvy investors eager to tap into the country’s potential. “Alongside these developments, exists an increasing appreciation for beauty, entertainment, and fashion says”, Sasha Perea, Miss District of Columbia, USA (‘21), and DC Commissioner of Fashion Arts and Events, she continues, “There are many overlapping industries all benefiting or positioned to benefit from the growth of the fashion, pageantry, beauty, entertainment industry”.
“Côte d’Ivoire, as a dynamic leader in ECOWAS promotes trade and investment cooperation among member states; yet it also takes pride in celebrating the nation’s rich cultural legacy, history, and creative arts,” says H.E. Ibrahima Touré; he continues, “Côte d’Ivoire is not just a land of opportunity but a nation committed to building a prosperous future for all its citizens and investors alike, we invite global partners to engage with Côte d’Ivoire as we continue on this path of sustainable growth and development”.
For more information about Côte d’Ivoire, contact the Embassy in Washington, DC, https://ambaciusa.org/. To register for the May 28th – June 4th delegation to Côte d’Ivoire, register here, or call (240) 316-5304 – (240) 316-5576 or email serviceculturel@ambacidc.org.
