Côte d’Ivoire positions its diaspora as a key driver of national development under the 2026–2030 PND

CÔTE D’IVOIRE: NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2026–2030 — DIASPORA POSITIONED AS A STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT ACTOR

The Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, presented in Paris the government’s policy aimed at making the Ivorian diaspora a key driver of Côte d’Ivoire’s economic development, during a meeting with the Ivorian community living in France.

The government intends to further mobilize the skills, networks, and financial resources of Ivorians living abroad in support of national development priorities. The event was held in the presence of the Minister Delegate for African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, as well as the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to France. It concluded the European roadshow conducted ahead of the Consultative Group meeting scheduled for July 8–9, 2026 in Abidjan.

With more than CFA 900 billion in annual remittances—exceeding official development assistance—the Ivorian diaspora already makes a significant contribution to the national economy. The government now aims to transform these financial flows into productive investments aligned with the priorities of the 2026–2030 National Development Plan (PND).

Under the high authority of President Alassane Ouattara, the government is implementing an economic growth strategy based on industrialization, human capital development, and increased domestic value creation.

To support this ambition, a large-scale investment program has been planned, amounting to CFA 114,838.5 billion. The private sector is expected to contribute 70.2%, or CFA 80,614.7 billion, while the public sector share is set at CFA 34,223.9 billion.

The government’s diaspora engagement policy is structured around three main pillars:

First, financial instruments aimed at mobilizing diaspora savings, including dedicated diaspora bonds and a specific investment fund.

Second, a more secure and attractive investment environment, including a one-stop shop and mechanisms to secure diaspora-led projects.

Third, a skills mobilization framework to leverage Ivorian expertise abroad in key strategic sectors such as industry, digital economy, fintech, research, and emerging technologies.

“The Ivorian diaspora represents a considerable human and financial capital, combined with strong entrepreneurial capacity that Côte d’Ivoire intends to fully leverage. The government aims to build a partnership with the diaspora based on complementary expertise, investment, and skills transfer in support of the country’s economic transformation,” said Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba.

This meeting concludes a series of international engagements conducted by the government from Washington to Brazzaville, Kigali, Baku, Paris, and Brussels leading up to the Consultative Group meeting scheduled for July 8–9, 2026 in Abidjan.

The initiative places the Ivorian diaspora at the heart of the national ambition for growth and prosperity.