Ivory Coast targets low-carbon economy for climate resilience

World Environment Day: Ivory Coast commits to climate action

Abidjan, June 5, 2026 — Ivory Coast has reaffirmed its commitment to building a resilient, low-carbon economy that prioritizes environmental sustainability, aligning with this year’s World Environment Day theme: ‘Air – Climate Action.’

In a statement delivered by Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition Minister Abou Bamba, the Ivorian government underscored its dedication to making ecological transition a cornerstone of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

With climate change impacts intensifying—including erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, soil degradation, coastal erosion, and recurring floods—the authorities are accelerating reforms to bolster the nation’s resilience. The government’s vision is unambiguous: to foster an economy that thrives on low emissions, carbon efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

Key measures have been enacted to support this transition, including the new Environmental Code, the Climate Change Act, the establishment of the National Climate Change Commission, and strengthened environmental and social impact assessments. Ivory Coast is also advancing its third-generation Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), targeting a 33.07% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 while striving for long-term carbon neutrality.

To further solidify its leadership in climate finance, Ivory Coast has welcomed the Green Climate Fund’s regional Africa office in Abidjan, reinforcing its role as a hub for sustainable investment on the continent.

Air quality, the focal point of this year’s observance, has prompted the deployment of a dedicated sensor-based monitoring system. The Ivorian Anti-Pollution Centre (CIAPOL) continues to enforce strict controls on facilities emitting atmospheric pollutants, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

However, Minister Bamba emphasized that government efforts alone cannot address environmental challenges. He urged citizens, local authorities, the private sector, and civil society to adopt sustainable practices, curbing pollution at its source.

This year’s national theme, ‘Be the solution, not the pollution!’ serves as a rallying cry for collective action to safeguard natural resources and enhance public well-being. The transition to a green economy presents opportunities for job creation, food security, and growth in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and eco-friendly construction.

To report environmental violations, the public is encouraged to use the toll-free line 1372. The government reiterated that environmental preservation is essential for building a ‘great nation.’