Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Nialé Kaba, has secured unanimous approval from the National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Affairs Committee for a budget proposal of 173.3 billion CFA francs for her ministry.

The proposed allocation, amounting to 173,305,973,308 CFA francs, is intended to strengthen the country’s diplomatic presence and expand its international partnerships.

The budget will support Côte d’Ivoire’s participation in regional and international organisations, as well as efforts to reinforce relations with strategic partners.

It will also seek to promote the country’s economic interests abroad by identifying investment opportunities, supporting exports and attracting foreign direct investment.

Another priority is the digitalisation of consular services to provide more accessible and secure assistance to Ivorians living abroad.

The funding will also contribute to the renovation, modernisation and security of Ivorian embassies, official residences and diplomatic representations overseas.

The proposal will now be submitted to the full National Assembly for a vote in plenary session.