Economy

Although macroeconomic performance remains robust compared to peer countries, there is clear evidence of a slowdown driven by the 50% fall cocoa prices between the late-2015 peak and early 2018. This puts pressure on tax revenue and the fiscal deficit while slowing GDP growth. The result is a higher debt-to-GDP ratio than anticipated, causing...

In the north-west of Abidjan lies Côte d’Ivoire’s most populous commune, Yopougon, or Yop-city, as it is often referred to by locals. One of Abidjan’s 13 communes, it is home to nearly 2m people, according to the most recent official census in 2014, which is roughly one-quarter of Abidjan’s total population. Separated from the rest of the city...

ETIQUETTE: Business etiquette is similar to that of France. A handshake is appropriate for both men and women when first meeting someone new. When a woman meets someone for the second time, three kisses on the cheek are an appropriate greeting. Before discussing business, it is polite to break the...

Côte d’Ivoire enjoys amicable relations with the major world powers, with no outstanding bilateral issues. During the cold war, Côte d’Ivoire generally favoured the West and had no diplomatic ties with the USSR from between 1969 and 1986. It is a member of the UN and most of its specialised agencies. The international community generally sided...

Côte d’Ivoire is proud to return to the family of nations after the arduous crises it has gone through. Through the determination of the Ivorian people and the support of our external partners, we have achieved appreciable results in the fields of politics and security, as well as the improvement of our population’s living conditions. These...