SME competitiveness, digital transformation, sustainable agriculture: Côte d’Ivoire secures over FCFA 16 billion from the EU

Côte d’Ivoire is strengthening its position within international cooperation and development financing networks. The country has secured investments exceeding €25 million, or approximately FCFA 16.39 billion, from the European Union (EU) through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

This funding is part of the INTERREG MAC programme, which aims to strengthen economic, institutional, and technological ties between the European Outermost Regions (notably the Spanish and Portuguese islands) and several West African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire.

The projects involving Côte d’Ivoire cover several areas considered priorities for the country’s structural economic transformation. These include SME competitiveness, digital transformation, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, food security, marine technologies, mobility, as well as climate change adaptation. These sectors are central to the country’s development ambitions and align with a broader dynamic of sustainable growth, innovation, and strengthened economic resilience.

This momentum was highlighted during a meeting held on June 4 in Abidjan between Ivorian authorities and INTERREG MAC programme officials, according to a government statement published on June 11. On that occasion, the partners praised Côte d’Ivoire’s growing role within this transnational cooperation mechanism funded by the European Union.

Out of the 34 projects selected in the first call for proposals of the current programming period, ten involve Ivorian partners. In addition, the strategic ATLANTE project further strengthens the country’s presence in this broad regional cooperation framework.

Representing the Prime Minister during the discussions, Hervé Aka N’Zai emphasized the alignment between the objectives of the INTERREG MAC programme and the strategic orientations of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND 2026–2030). According to him, these cooperation priorities focus on key issues such as research, innovation, business competitiveness, skills development, the green and blue economy, and climate resilience.

With a total budget of €200 million (over FCFA 131 billion), INTERREG MAC is co-financed up to 85% by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The programme provides participating institutions, businesses, universities, and organizations with access to funding and external resources, as Côte d’Ivoire accelerates its economic transformation and strengthens its attractiveness for investment.

In this context, a new call for proposals is scheduled to open on June 15, offering new opportunities for Ivorian stakeholders to develop innovative and high value-added initiatives.