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Among the most diversified economies in both the UAE and the wider GCC region, Sharjah has developed strong manufacturing, tourism and logistics industries, among other non-oil sectors. Against a backdrop of reduced oil prices and lower economic growth, local and federal authorities are working to develop the economy further through a range of measures intended to improve the business environment, attract more foreign investment and bolster government finances. Out of a UAE-wide GDP of Dh1.37trn ($373bn) in 2015, Sharjah’s portion reached Dh85.66bn ($23.6bn), or 6.3% of the total, making it the third-largest economy in the federation after Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This chapter contains interviews with Khalifa Mohammed Al Kindi, Chairman, Central Bank of the UAE; Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman, Department of Seaports and Customs.

OBG introduces the reader to the different aspects of the legal system in Cote d’Ivoire, in partnership with Bilé-Aka, Brizoua-Bi & Associés. OBG talks to Michel K Brizoua-Bi and Joachim Bilé-Aka, Founders, Bilé-Aka, Brizoua-Bi & Associés, on the country’s legislative evolution.

In conjunction with PwC, OBG explores the taxation system, examining Cote d’Ivoire’s investor-friendly environment. OBG talks to Edouard Messou, Senior Partner; and Dominique Taty, Tax Partner, PwC, on the value-added tax refund mechanism.

Côte d’Ivoire is setting the health sector back on its feet after a decade of armed conflict and political division. As the 2012-15 National Health Development Plan reached its closing period, progress seemed clear and the country was geared towards rebuilding and constructing health infrastructure and facilities, training and hiring personnel, setting new standards and, ultimately, working to provide widespread health care coverage at an affordable cost. The next iteration of the plan, covering the 2016-20 period, has allocated significant funds for the improvement of health care in the country, with the private sector likely to continue playing a primary role via investments in the form of public-private partnerships. This chapter contains an interview with Ange Désiré Yapi, Director-General, Nouvelle Pharmacie de la Santé Publique de Côte d’Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire is investing in achieving sustainable high growth levels, for which it requires a strong education sector. The government has its eyes set on expanding basic education access, improving education quality and governance, and enhancing the link between education and the job market. In addition to ongoing initiatives, the government has set out a series of actions, outlined in the 2016-20 National Development Plan, under which it allocates an ambitious indicative budget totalling close to CFA5trn (€7.5bn) for education, including public and private contributions. This chapter contains an interview with Saliou Touré, President, International University of Grand Bassam.