Adrien haye honored for four years of development work in Côte d’Ivoire

Adrien Haye, head of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Côte d’Ivoire, was formally honored with membership in the National Order of Côte d’Ivoire as his four-year mission concluded. The recognition ceremony took place on July 31, 2026, presided over by the Minister of Economy, Finance, and Budget, Adama Coulibaly, at the Sciam building in Plateau. The event was attended by Jean-Christophe Belliard, France’s ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, along with AFD staff members.

Speaking on behalf of President Alassane Ouattara and Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, Minister Coulibaly praised Adrien Haye’s dedication to Côte d’Ivoire’s growth over his tenure. He highlighted Haye’s hands-on role in identifying key economic sectors for intervention since assuming leadership of the AFD in 2022.

« During his mandate, Mr. Adrien Haye played a pivotal role in shaping financial structures and overseeing the design and implementation of critical projects across Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, » the minister noted. « His efforts have been instrumental in aligning resources to support the country’s long-term development goals. »

Under Haye’s leadership, the AFD mobilized a total of 934 million euros—equivalent to roughly 623 billion West African francs (FCFA)—through sovereign loans and funds from the Debt Reduction-Development Contract (C2D). These resources significantly bolstered the nation’s macroeconomic stability.

Additionally, five new sovereign loan agreements worth nearly 500 million euros (about 330 billion FCFA) were finalized during this period. These were complemented by allocations from the third phase of the C2D, in line with the National Development Plan (PND) 2021–2025.

The minister emphasized that these commitments solidify the AFD’s position as Côte d’Ivoire’s leading bilateral partner, a status strengthened by Haye’s contributions.

Deeply moved by the honor—his first from an African state—Haye expressed gratitude to Ivorian officials. Reflecting on his time in the country, he reaffirmed his commitment to its progress.

« The portfolio we’ve built together, particularly with your teams, minister, stands as a testament to what we’ve achieved. I will continue to champion Côte d’Ivoire’s cause wherever I go, » he stated.

This decoration marks the culmination of four years of strengthened collaboration between the AFD and Ivorian authorities, characterized by substantial investments in the country’s economic and social progress.