Economy

Progress on several major infrastructure projects helped sustain Côte d’Ivoire’s sixth consecutive year of solid economic growth in 2016. Works planned under the 2016-20 National Development Plan will be a key driver of growth and are set to play a pivotal part in the country’s bid to achieve emerging-economy status before the end of this decade. The economy has benefitted from prudent fiscal policies, monetary stability, rising public spending and structural reforms aimed at improving the business climate and encouraging public-private partnerships. However, there are some economic headwinds – including fragilities in the banking sector, regional inequalities and a continued dependence on commodity exports. This chapter contains interviews with Jean-Marie Ackah, President, General Confederation of Businesses of Côte d’Ivoire; Emmanuel Esmel Essis, Director-General, Investment Promotion Agency of Côte d’Ivoire; and Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank.