Côte d’Ivoire’s president highlights robust economic growth and future vision

President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire recently affirmed the nation’s steadfast development trajectory, emphasizing a consistently dynamic economy. Speaking during his traditional message to the Nation on the eve of Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th independence anniversary, August 6, he highlighted that the country maintains one of the highest annual growth rates in the region and globally, underscoring its robust economic fundamentals.

Yet, President Ouattara stressed that such economic success is only meaningful if it tangibly improves the daily lives of Ivorian citizens. To this end, he announced the government’s continued commitment to enhancing access to essential services. These efforts will focus on bolstering the provision of potable water, electricity, quality healthcare, education, housing, and increasingly efficient public services. Furthermore, he indicated an ongoing dedication to prioritizing employment opportunities, safeguarding household purchasing power, and protecting the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

Looking ahead, Alassane Ouattara articulated an ambitious vision for the coming years: to forge a ‘Great Côte d’Ivoire’. This grand objective encompasses not only the expansion of its economy and the significance of its infrastructure but also the superior quality of its development, the shared prosperity of its people, and its prominent standing in Africa and worldwide. This aspiration, he noted, serves as the guiding principle for the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030, poised to inject fresh momentum into the country’s economic, social, and cultural transformation.

The President also expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming participation observed during the consultative group meeting for PND financing, held on July 8 and 9. He regarded this as a strong indicator of international confidence in Côte d’Ivoire, a direct result of years of sustained stability, the credibility of its institutions, and collective national efforts. Additionally, he pointed to the Strategic Sovereign Fund for the Development of Côte d’Ivoire (FSD-CI), established last April, as a testament to the nation’s resolve to strengthen financial sovereignty and proactively secure prosperity for future generations. This new instrument, he clarified, will play a crucial role in funding structuring investments, fostering strategic sectors, and supporting the ongoing transformation of the Ivorian economy.

Continuing institutional modernization

Acknowledging that sustainable development necessitates strong, credible institutions capable of addressing contemporary challenges, Alassane Ouattara underscored that Côte d’Ivoire has, over several years, successfully restored peace, solidified its stability, and reinforced its institutional framework. This evolution, he added, naturally compels the nation to pursue further modernization of these institutions, ensuring they continually meet the evolving demands of its democracy and the expectations of its citizens.

In this spirit, he explained, the government has embarked on a significant reform of electoral governance, following the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). This reform, designed to complete the normalization of the electoral system, represents a new milestone in Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic maturity. The President conveyed his clear intent, stating that by more distinctly separating responsibilities related to the logistical organization of elections, the tabulation of votes, and the observation of the process, the aim is to enhance transparency, build greater trust among all stakeholders, and durably consolidate the nation’s democracy. He then urged all Ivorians to contribute to this modernization effort and, in doing so, advance democracy within the country while respecting its institutions.

An appeal to youth, women, entrepreneurs, and farmers

Emphasizing that the ‘Great Côte d’Ivoire’ to which everyone aspires will emerge from the collective work, talent, commitment, and trust of its entire populace, the Head of State called upon every Ivorian man and woman to fully embrace opportunities and contribute their energy, talent, ideas, and dedication.

Addressing the youth, he affirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s belief in their talent, creativity, and capacity to forge new paths. “You are the future and the present of our country, and nothing we undertake will happen without you,” he declared. For women, he highlighted their courage, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit as an essential force driving development.

While recognizing entrepreneurs’ need for boldness, innovation, and a willingness to invest to generate more wealth and employment for the nation, the President also acknowledged farmers as the primary architects of the country’s food sovereignty and prosperity.

Protecting citizens and upholding human dignity at the core of public action

The Ivorian President further announced that the protection of citizens, the respect for human dignity, and the enforcement of the law will consistently remain central to public action. Consequently, operations aimed at clearing high-risk zones will proceed with strict adherence to the rule of law, prioritizing the preservation of human lives. He mentioned instructing the government to accelerate investments in drainage and sanitation infrastructure, strengthen prevention mechanisms, and continue social housing programs.

Regarding eviction operations conducted outside legal frameworks, particularly in Koumassi-campement, the Head of State confirmed that these incidents are currently subject to thorough investigations. He assured that “All responsibilities will be established, leading to sanctions as prescribed by law. In the Côte d’Ivoire we are building, no one can act on behalf of the State outside its legal framework without facing consequences.”

In accordance with his constitutional prerogatives, the President signed two decrees pertaining to Justice, granting freedom to 4,661 common law detainees convicted of minor offenses. Specifically, the first decree granted pardon to 2,064 detainees, while the second provided a sentence reduction to 2,597 detainees with a remaining sentence of less than 36 months.

Finally, Alassane Ouattara extended an invitation to the entire population to participate enthusiastically in the upcoming independence celebration, featuring a grand parade in Yopougon. This commune, located north of Abidjan, he remarked, embodies the vibrant energy of youth, the rich diversity of the people, and the dynamism and vitality of modern Côte d’Ivoire.