The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, met this Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at his office, with His Excellency Mr. Irchad Razaaly, the new Ambassador of the European Union to Côte d’Ivoire. This high-level meeting is part of the ongoing strategic dialogue between Côte d’Ivoire and the European Union, a long-standing partner and the country’s leading trading partner. During this meeting, the two officials reviewed the current state of economic and trade cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and the European Union, while exploring prospects for strengthening it in the medium and long term. The discussion focused in particular on areas for improvement and the multi-sectoral opportunities available within the framework of the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) between the two parties. Minister Souleymane Diarrassouba reaffirmed the Ivorian government’s commitment to continuing and deepening this cooperation, making it even more beneficial for local businesses and SMEs, particularly through the promotion of local content, industrialization, and export diversification to the European market. He also welcomed the technical and financial support from the European Union, which significantly contributes to the development of the Ivorian private sector and the modernization of the business environment. For his part, Mr. Irchad Razaaly commended the well-structured business ecosystem in Côte d’Ivoire, a result of reforms undertaken by the Ivorian authorities to improve competitiveness and attract more investment. He expressed the European Union’s readiness to continue joint efforts to increase economic and trade exchanges between the two partners, in a spirit of mutually beneficial and sustainable cooperation. The European Union Ambassador also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in implementing its public policies for economic transformation, particularly in the areas of green transition, digital economy, inclusive trade, and the promotion of industrial competitiveness. This meeting thus marks an important step in consolidating the strategic partnership between Côte d’Ivoire and the European Union, based on shared values ​​of prosperity, sustainability, and win-win cooperation. In conclusion, both parties agreed to continue dialogue and coordination on joint projects aimed at boosting trade, supporting productive investment, and strengthening economic resilience in the face of current global challenges. DCRP_MCI

The Minister of Trade and Industry presided over the signing ceremony for the transfer of shares between the Abidjan Industrial Economic Platform (PEIA), the National Social Security Fund (CNPS), and the Deposit and Consignment Fund of Côte d’Ivoire (CDC-CI), in the PK24 Akoupé-Zeudji industrial zone. The State of Côte d’Ivoire, through the CNPS and the CDC-CI, officially formalized its acquisition of a 35% stake in the capital of the Abidjan Industrial Economic Platform, which is owned by the ARISE Group. This tripartite agreement follows the concession agreement signed on June 14, 2022, between the State and ARISE IVOIRE, for the financing, development, and management of 431 hectares in the PK24 Akoupé-Zeudji industrial zone. “This economic and industrial zone project aims to increase the national supply of developed industrial land and improve the competitiveness of companies located within this zone” stated Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, adding that, as part of this project, the PEIA PK24 will host 150 industrial companies, creating 21,000 direct jobs. With a total capital of 57.14 billion CFA francs, the Ivorian government’s 35% stake amounts to 20 billion CFA francs, including 17 billion CFA francs from the CNPS (National Social Security Fund), representing 29.75%, and 3 billion CFA francs from CDC-CI (Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations de Côte d’Ivoire), representing 5.25% of the capital. This project represents a major innovation and is the first of its kind in establishing industrial infrastructure through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Ivorian government and an international private operator. With a total investment of nearly 200 billion CFA francs, the Minister of Trade and Industry indicated that this ambitious project is positioned as a major driver of industrialization in Côte d’Ivoire. It reflects the Government’s commitment to fostering a virtuous synergy between the public and private sectors within the framework of large-scale industrial projects.Inviting all national and international economic operators to seize the numerous investment opportunities in the country by establishing themselves in this new industrial zone, Minister Souleymane Diarrassouba assured them of the Government’s commitment to remain a constant and dedicated partner alongside the private sector, in order to provide all the necessary support for the realization of investment projects and the strengthening of Ivorian industry. He commended the management teams of the two institutional investors who responded favorably to his request by approving this strategic investment project and expressed his hope that it would inspire others, particularly regarding equity investments in the emerging Industrial Development Fund. Lacina Fofana and Idriss Traoré, respectively CEO of CDC-CI and Deputy CEO of CNPS, welcomed their participation in the PEIA PK 24 investment group, alongside a renowned industrial developer. They intend to play their part in the development of this economic and industrial zone, which will create added value and jobs for young people and women. Sylvain Edi, CEO of PEIA, reiterated that this zone is intended to host companies in the agribusiness, construction materials, circular economy, and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as a training center meeting international standards. The ceremony concluded with a tour of the industrial platform, which includes industrial units currently under construction. DCRP_MCI

It was in an atmosphere filled with emotion and pride that the official closing ceremony of the 2SCALE program in Côte d’Ivoire was held at the Azalaï Hotel in Abidjan. After thirteen years of commitment, the largest program for developing inclusive business models in sub-Saharan Africa officially passed the torch to GUDE-PME (One-Stop Shop for Business Development – ​​Small and Medium Enterprises), which is tasked with continuing the momentum towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and competitive agribusiness. Thirteen years of impact to transform agri-food systemsLaunched in 2012, the 2SCALE program (Toward Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship) worked in partnership with the private sector, farmers’ organizations, and public stakeholders to promote equitable and innovative economic models. In Côte d’Ivoire, 2SCALE has supported hundreds of agricultural SMEs, cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs, facilitating access to markets, financing, training, and innovation. The program has also strengthened value chains in several strategic sectors, thereby contributing to the empowerment of women and youth in agriculture. An event focused on partnership and continuityUnder the theme “Promoting Inclusive Agribusiness through Public-Private Partnerships,” the closing ceremony brought together a wide range of stakeholders: representatives of public institutions, agricultural professional organizations, technical and financial partners, private companies, and program beneficiaries. This gathering was marked by fruitful discussions on best practices from the 2SCALE experience, as well as inspiring testimonials from entrepreneurs who have benefited from the program’s support. The agri-food product exhibitions highlighted the creativity, resilience, and expertise of Ivorian entrepreneurs, demonstrating the progress made toward a more competitive and inclusive agriculture.The passing of the torch: a powerful symbol for the futureA key moment of the ceremony, the symbolic handover of the 2SCALE approach’s torch to GUDE-PME marked the official transition of the program to a new era of promoting inclusive agribusiness in Côte d’Ivoire. This highly symbolic gesture reflects the shared commitment to sustaining the achievements of 2SCALE and further embedding the public-private partnership approach in national policies for the development of agricultural SMEs.GUDE-PME, a new catalyst for inclusive agribusinessBy receiving this torch, GUDE-PME pledged to support and amplify the actions initiated by 2SCALE, consolidating an environment conducive to agricultural entrepreneurship. The Institution intends to implement an integrated support strategy focused on enhancing agricultural value chains, facilitating SME financing, and promoting innovation for rural stakeholders. Through this new mandate, GUDE-PME aims to make inclusive agribusiness a major driver of economic growth, employment, and food sovereignty for Côte d’Ivoire. Towards a sustainable and competitive Ivorian agribusiness sectorThe closure of the 2SCALE program therefore does not mark an end, but the beginning of a new chapter in building a more equitable and resilient agricultural ecosystem. The partnership between public and private stakeholders, strengthened by the 2SCALE experience and now led by GUDE-PME, provides a solid foundation for accelerating the structural transformation of the Ivorian agricultural sector. “The torch of inclusive development is now in our hands.” “Together, we will continue to build a high-performing, innovative, and inclusive Ivorian agriculture,” declared a representative of GUDE-PME, praising the legacy and vision of 2SCALE. With this handover, Côte d’Ivoire reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable agribusiness, rooted in cooperation, innovation, and inclusion. DCRP_MCI

The Treichville Palace of Culture hosted a highly symbolic ceremony on Tuesday, bringing together artisans from the 245 trades that comprise the Ivorian craft sector. These key players in local development gathered to pay a vibrant tribute to His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic, whom they affectionately refer to as “the first craftsman of Côte d’Ivoire,” in recognition of his unwavering commitment to valuing manual labor and promoting the craft sector. The event, marked by gratitude and loyalty, was attended by high-ranking government officials, including the President of the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council (CESEC), Dr. Eugène Aka Aouélé; the Minister of State, Minister of Defense, Mr. Téné Birahima Ouattara; and the Minister, Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, Mr. Fidèle Gboroton Sarrassoro. Their participation in this meeting reflects the strategic importance the Government places on this sector, a pillar of the national economy. Crafts: A Key Lever for Economic and Social DevelopmentOn behalf of artisans from all regions of the country, representatives of the various trades expressed their profound gratitude to the Head of State for the public policies implemented to modernize the craft sector. Under the enlightened leadership of President Alassane Ouattara, Ivorian crafts have undergone a genuine transformation in recent years, marked by the professionalization of trades, the establishment of appropriate financing mechanisms, the creation of modern infrastructure, and the recognition of the artisan’s status. These advances have contributed to making crafts a major player in job creation, the fight against poverty, and local development. The artisans also commended the inclusive vision of the President of the Republic, who places people at the heart of development, while working towards a more competitive and sustainable economy. Structural Reforms for a Competitive and Sustainable Craft SectorSpeaking on behalf of the Government, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, who also serves as Minister for Crafts, emphasized the major reforms undertaken by his ministry to consolidate the sector’s achievements and elevate it to the status of a strategic economic driver for the country. He specifically mentioned the implementation of training and certification programs for artisans, the creation of production and marketing spaces, the facilitation of access to financing, and the promotion of the “Made in Côte d’Ivoire” label, a guarantee of quality and international competitiveness. These initiatives aim to make crafts a sector that provides sustainable employment and a better life for those involved, while also contributing to the industrialization and diversification of the national economy. A Call to Mobilization for Continued ProgressIn an atmosphere of fervor and unity, Minister Souleymane Diarrassouba commended the artisans’ commitment and determination to support the development initiatives launched by the Head of State. He urged participants to remain mobilized around the ideals of peace, work, and progress embodied by President Alassane Ouattara. The Minister also called on artisans to vote overwhelmingly for candidate Alassane Ouattara in the presidential election on October 25th, to enable him to continue and consolidate the development initiatives undertaken throughout the country, particularly those promoting and modernizing the craft sector. Craftsmanship: A Symbol of Expertise and ResilienceThis day of tribute will be remembered as a powerful moment of unity between the Head of State and the artisans of Côte d’Ivoire. Beyond the celebration, this meeting illustrates the recognition of a dynamic and resilient sector, fully committed to implementing the vision of a united, prosperous, and inclusive Côte d’Ivoire. The artisans thus reaffirmed their commitment to remaining key partners in national development, under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, whose vision is transforming the lives of Ivorians every day and shaping the future of the country. DCRP_MCI

The SEPHIS Foundation and the Côte d’Ivoire Export agency signed a strategic partnership agreement on Thursday, October 2, 2025, aimed at strengthening support for women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in their international development. This agreement, signed by Ms. Sefora Kodjo, President of the SEPHIS Foundation, and Dr. Kaladji Fadiga, Director General of Côte d’Ivoire Export, is part of a broader effort to promote economic inclusion and enhance women’s leadership within the Ivorian entrepreneurial ecosystem. Strengthening the Competitiveness of Women-Led SMEsThe objective of this partnership is to remove the structural obstacles that limit the expansion of women-led businesses and to strengthen their competitiveness in regional and international markets. It places particular emphasis on preparing women-led SMEs for the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which represents a market of over one billion consumers. According to Ms. Sefora Kodjo, “this support aims to prevent small businesses from being marginalized in this vast continental economic space and to enable them to play an active role in intra-African trade.” Access to Finance and Export DevelopmentThe collaboration between the SEPHIS Foundation and Côte d’Ivoire Export also includes support for access to finance, particularly through the pre-financing of export purchase orders, to help businesses fulfill their commercial commitments in foreign markets. Active in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Togo, the SEPHIS Foundation has already facilitated over 1.5 billion CFA francs in loans to women entrepreneurs and supports approximately 1,000 women-owned SMEs each year in their structuring, formalization, and growth. A Partnership Aligned with National PrioritairesFor Dr. Kaladji Fadiga, Director General of Côte d’Ivoire Export, “this partnership is perfectly aligned with the objectives of the National Development Plan (PND 2021-2025), which places significant emphasis on local transformation, regional integration, and strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs.” This joint initiative demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development by fostering the full participation of women in the export process and value creation.Towards Sustainable Economic InclusionThrough this alliance, the SEPHIS Foundation and Côte d’Ivoire Export intend to contribute to the economic empowerment of women, the creation of decent jobs, and increased national competitiveness within the framework of the AfCFTA. This partnership marks a significant step in consolidating efforts to promote the economic inclusion of women entrepreneurs and illustrates the commitment of both institutions to supporting women-owned SMEs in achieving a greater presence in international markets. DCRP_MCI

As part of the implementation of its strategy to promote and diversify investment, in line with the guidelines of the National Development Plan (PND 2021-2025), the Investment Promotion Centre of Côte d’Ivoire (CEPICI) took part in the ‘The Africa Debate’ economic forum in Dubai from 30 September to 1 October 2025. The forum was organised by Invest Africa, an international business platform dedicated to promoting trade and investment on the African continent. This high-level event brought together numerous institutional players, international investors and economic decision-makers from Africa, the Middle East and Europe to discuss growth prospects, exchange views on expansion opportunities and share best practices in terms of the business climate on the African continent. Côte d’Ivoire, a competitive and attractive business destination Represented by its Director General, Ms Solange Amichia, the Ivorian delegation took advantage of this forum to highlight the many structural advantages and ambitious economic reforms that make Côte d’Ivoire an essential investment destination in West Africa. In her speech, Ms Amichia highlighted the country’s political and macroeconomic stability, the quality of its infrastructure (roads, ports, energy), and the incentives put in place by the government to facilitate private investment through the CEPICI One-Stop Shop. She also highlighted the country’s sustained economic performance, with one of the highest growth rates on the continent, and the implementation of structural reforms aimed at improving the business climate, in line with the objectives of the 2021-2025 PND. Growing interest among Emirati investors in Côte d’Ivoire Discussions held on the sidelines of the Forum revealed strong interest among Emirati investors in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in strategic sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, digital technology and real estate. Several B2B meetings provided an opportunity to explore concrete partnership opportunities and identify avenues for bilateral cooperation between the Ivorian private sector and companies in the United Arab Emirates. These discussions also highlighted the common desire of both parties to strengthen economic exchanges and increase foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Côte d’Ivoire, in a mutually beneficial approach. A renewed commitment to the economic attractiveness of Côte d’Ivoire CEPICI’s participation in ‘The Africa Debate’ economic forum reflects the Ivorian government’s firm commitment to continuing its efforts in international economic promotion and the ongoing improvement of the business climate. It is part of the strategy of opening up and diversifying economic partnerships advocated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, with a view to making Côte d’Ivoire a regional investment hub and a centre for sustainable growth. Through this type of platform, CEPICI reaffirms its role as a facilitator of investment and promoter of the private sector, while actively contributing to the achievement of the PND’s objectives and the structural transformation of the Ivorian economy. DCRP_MCI