The brightly lit halls of the Istanbul International Conference Center buzzed with strategic discussions. Between elegantly decorated stands showcasing the colors of African nations, business leaders exchanged firm handshakes and confident smiles.
In this vibrant atmosphere of ambition and promise, Côte d’Ivoire emerged as one of the standout destinations at the 5th Türkiye–Africa Economic and Business Forum, which opened on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
The Ivorian economy — dynamic and undergoing profound transformation — continues to draw increasing attention. Turkish investors now see the country as a genuine gateway to West Africa. With its political stability, sustained growth, business-friendly structural reforms, and large-scale infrastructure projects, Côte d’Ivoire offers a rapidly expanding economic ecosystem.
This appeal is no longer just a matter of institutional rhetoric; it is reflected in tangible investment commitments from leading international players. “We firmly believe in Côte d’Ivoire’s economic potential,” said a Turkish entrepreneur on the sidelines of the forum. “It’s an ambitious country, open for business.”
Among those captivated by this potential is İhsan Şahin, Chairman of Sila Health, who made headlines by announcing a $120 million (nearly 70 billion CFA francs) investment in Côte d’Ivoire’s health sector. A recognized visionary in medical innovation in Turkey, Dr. Şahin plans to build a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory and a cutting-edge medical imaging center.
His goal: to enhance the quality of healthcare, reduce costly medical evacuations abroad, and position Côte d’Ivoire as a high-performing regional healthcare hub. With successful projects in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Senegal, Kuwait, and Qatar, Dr. Şahin sees Abidjan as a strategic base for expanding a new generation of medical infrastructure across Africa.
Côte d’Ivoire is also attracting attention in another promising sector — sports infrastructure. Turkish construction giant Integral Group, a global leader in stadium construction, expressed interest in building a new international-standard football stadium.
“We operate in more than 60 countries and believe Côte d’Ivoire has all the assets to become a sporting showcase in West Africa,” said Yavuz Macit, Chairman of Integral Group.
With over two decades of experience, the Turkish company aims to help transform the country into a hub for sports, leisure, and major international events.
The enthusiasm of Turkish investors is no coincidence. Thanks to a national strategy focused on economic diversification, infrastructure modernization, and proactive investment promotion, Côte d’Ivoire has become one of Africa’s most dynamic economies.
The Türkiye–Africa Forum 2025 thus serves as a powerful catalyst for strategic partnerships — a space where ambitious visions meet concrete projects. Each meeting, each signed agreement, represents another step toward a more competitive and globally connected Côte d’Ivoire.
