President Alassane Ouattara has designated 2026 as the year of accelerated economic transformation, with a clear objective: to modernize infrastructure, further industrialize the economy, and strengthen public finance governance, while improving access to basic services for Ivorians. His ambitions are embodied in the launch of the new National Development Plan 2026-2030, designed as a catalyst for transitioning from a subsistence economy to a competitive and inclusive industrial economy.
A Key Objective: The 2026-2030 National Development Plan
The President presents 2026 as the year of the effective launch of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2026-2030, the central pillar of his economic vision.
This plan aims to transition from an economy still largely driven by basic agriculture to an industrialized economy that is more productive and better integrated into regional and international value chains.
Accelerated Infrastructure Modernization
Ouattara announced the continuation of major modernization projects: roads, railways, energy, water infrastructure, sanitation, and transportation must continue to shape the country and support growth.
The stated objective is total coverage of the country with drinking water and electricity by the end of 2026, with a survey of underserved areas to target remaining investments.
Industrialization and the Service Economy
The Head of State emphasized accelerating the agro-industrial transformation to create more local added value and more jobs, particularly for young people.
He also announced the development of a competitive service economy (finance, logistics, digital technology, business services) designed to complement industrialization and position Côte d’Ivoire as a regional hub.
Private Sector, Local Content, and Secondary Cities
Strengthening the private sector is presented as a pillar of the strategy: the government aims to stimulate national entrepreneurship and foster the emergence of Ivorian “champions.”
The promotion of local content will notably involve a program dedicated to secondary cities, in order to better integrate Ivorian businesses into regional and international value chains, beyond the Abidjan hub alone.
Budgetary Rigor and Economic Governance
Ouattara reaffirmed that rigor in the economic and financial management of the State remains an “absolute priority,” with continued optimization of procedures, improved monitoring of payments, and increased revenue collection.
He promises increased transparency and a intensified fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, aiming to make Côte d’Ivoire a model of good governance and remain attractive to investors.
Social Dimension and Public Services
The president emphasizes a mandate focused on solidarity with the most vulnerable segments of the population, through the strengthening of the government’s social program and youth program.
The ambition is to provide public services that are more accessible, more efficient, and better adapted to citizens’ expectations in the areas of health, education, training, employment, and social protection, in line with the “Côte d’Ivoire 2030” vision.
