Business France Forum 2026: Minister Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly Highlights Investment Opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire’s Extractive Sector

Speaking on behalf of the Ivorian government at the opening of the Côte d’Ivoire 2026 Forum, organized on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Paris by Business France, the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, presented investors and business leaders with the opportunities offered by Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in the extractive and energy sectors, which have become new pillars of economic growth.

High-level participants, including members of the French government, parliamentarians, ambassadors, and corporate executives, gathered under the theme “Côte d’Ivoire, a Hub of Stability and Growth in West Africa.”

During his speech, the minister highlighted the growing role of the extractive sector in Côte d’Ivoire’s economic diversification strategy. According to him, while the country is the world’s largest cocoa producer and leading exporter of raw cashew nuts, it now aims to move beyond agricultural revenue by better valorizing its mineral and energy resources.

“The country has considerable assets: about 35% of West Africa’s greenstone belt, rich in gold, is located on Ivorian territory. Gold production, currently at 60 tons per year, is expected to reach 100 tons by 2030. In addition, recent world-class discoveries in hydrocarbons open new perspectives for the national economy,” he stated.

Tracing the depth of economic ties between Paris and Abidjan, the minister noted that over 300 subsidiaries of French companies operate in Côte d’Ivoire, generating more than 50,000 direct jobs, with bilateral trade exceeding 1,600 billion CFA francs annually. He emphasized:

“France remains the country’s leading foreign investor. Côte d’Ivoire is a land of opportunities and a reliable partner. Political and security stability provide trust and a key lever for any investor seeking visibility and predictability.”

The minister also praised Business France for bringing together public decision-makers and private actors, thereby actively strengthening Franco-Ivorian economic partnerships.

The forum was attended by the Ministers of Transport and Maritime Affairs, Amadou Koné, and of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, Pierre N’Gou Dimba.

On the sidelines, Minister Sangafowa-Coulibaly held discussions with other key figures. With the Vice President of BIOVEA, he discussed BIOVEA Energy, a major biomass power plant project (EDF/Meridiam/Biokala) located in Ayebo, part of Côte d’Ivoire’s energy transition strategy, which successfully completed technical trials in 2025.

Meetings with the presidents of the French Council of Investors in Africa (CIAN) and the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) also explored potential partnerships and investment opportunities.