Address to the Nation: President Alassane Ouattara Reaffirms His Commitment to Building a Greater Côte d’Ivoire

Abidjan, December 31, 2025 – In his traditional end-of-year address to the Nation on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara, reaffirmed his strong commitment to continuing the construction of a Greater Côte d’Ivoire an ambitious, united, respected, high-performing and sovereign nation.

Looking ahead to 2026, President Ouattara announced the continuation of major modernization projects across the country. He emphasized that road, rail, energy and water infrastructures will keep structuring the national territory and strengthening national integration. The Head of State also underlined the acceleration of industrialization and agro-industrial transformation, aimed at creating greater added value and more jobs. In addition, the development of a competitive service-based economy will support this momentum, with the objective of achieving full nationwide access to water and electricity.

Regarding economic prospects, the President assured that the government will continue its efforts to promote private sector development.
“This orientation will rely on a strengthened promotion of local content, particularly within the framework of the program dedicated to secondary cities,” he stated.

President Ouattara reaffirmed that economic and financial discipline, the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, and sustained social investments will remain top priorities for the State.

He further stressed that youth and women will remain at the heart of public policies. In this regard, he announced that the Government Social Program (PSGouv) and the Government Youth Program (PJgouv) will continue to serve as key instruments, reinforced and better targeted to respond more effectively to the population’s needs, particularly in health, education, training, employment access and social protection.

Addressing regional crises, terrorist threats and migration challenges, President Ouattara reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to honoring its international obligations regarding the reception, management and protection of refugees, while ensuring national security and the safety of all citizens. He noted that special attention will be given to the Defense and Security Forces, by providing them with the necessary resources to carry out their missions.

After highlighting the significant achievements in infrastructure development, the President stated that his ambition is now to offer citizens more accessible, efficient and responsive public services.
“The public service must become a true partner of the citizen through better government listening, greater transparency and regular evaluation mechanisms,” he declared.

Emphasizing that the preservation of peace and the strengthening of social cohesion must remain central priorities, the Head of State affirmed that the ongoing generational transition is a historic duty. This transition, he said, must be based on an inheritance rooted in civic values, unity, hard work, solidarity, merit and excellence, with respect for diversity, tolerance and social justice.

Reflecting on the past year, President Alassane Ouattara recalled that 2025 was a significant year for Côte d’Ivoire, marked by major challenges, notably the successful organization of the presidential and legislative elections.

“These milestones once again demonstrated the democratic maturity of our nation and the attachment of our citizens to peace, stability and development,” he said, adding that the country preserved what matters most: the proper functioning of institutions, the rule of law and constitutional order.

“With respect for our institutions, we can be proud of the path we have traveled,” President Ouattara concluded.