Mines, Petroleum, Energy: Minister Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly on Mission to the United States to Attract New Investments
On Monday, March 10, 2025, the city of Houston, the capital of the U.S. oil industry, hosted the 43rd edition of CERAWeek, one of the world’s largest energy events. Leading the Ivorian delegation, the Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, aims to leverage this platform to attract new investors and partners.
The primary objective of Minister Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly's mission to the United States is twofold: to attract international investors and acquire the expertise necessary for the development of the extractive sector. Côte d'Ivoire also seeks to maximize the economic benefits of its resources for the well-being of both current and future generations.
During this 43rd edition of CERAWeek, the Minister will participate in two high-level panels on March 11 and 12, where he will present the reforms implemented to make the country more attractive to investors. He will also engage in several B2B meetings with players from the oil and gas sector, which has shown increasing interest in Ivorian waters.
The Minister will highlight the potential of Côte d'Ivoire's sedimentary basin, demonstrated by the discovery of two major oil fields, Baleine and Calao, over the last three years. These advancements are the result of reforms initiated under President Alassane Ouattara, which have facilitated investor access to Ivorian waters.
With world-class mines such as the Koné mine, Côte d'Ivoire is now positioning itself as a key player in the African gold market. The country has also recently awarded exploration permits for lithium and coltan, two critical minerals for the technological and energy industries.
Through this tour in the United States, Côte d'Ivoire is clearly signaling its ambition to become a regional leader in the extractive and petroleum sectors, while ensuring the strategic and sustainable management of its natural resources. The decisions and partnerships made during this trip could significantly reshape the country’s economic future.
