Consolidation of the Energy Hub status of Côte d'Ivoire
As part of its economic development strategy, the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire is strengthening its position as a sub-regional energy hub, thanks to strategic reforms and major discoveries in the extractive and energy sectors. The Baleine and Calao deposits, among the largest identified to date, as well as the gold projects in Tanda and Koné, offer promising prospects for sustainable economic growth.
In his address to the nation on December 31, 2024, His Excellency Mr. President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara, praised the significant results of the reforms implemented in the mining and energy sectors. In a decade, gold production has quadrupled, while manganese production has increased thirtyfold. The diversification of resources now includes strategic minerals such as cobalt and lithium, which are essential for high-tech industries.
The prospects for oil production are equally encouraging. Recent discoveries are expected to allow for a tenfold increase in current production by 2030, with a target of 200,000 barrels per day by 2027, compared to 60,000 barrels per day today.
These advances result from ambitious structural reforms. Côte d'Ivoire's adherence to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the adoption of the local content law aim to strengthen governance and ensure a fair distribution of wealth derived from the exploitation of natural resources. The reform of the Mining Code in 2014 revitalized activity, increasing the number of exploration permits from 120 in 2012 to 189 in 2023, and exploitation permits from 9 to 28 over the same period. The recent revision of this code places particular emphasis on the local processing of minerals and transparent exploitation, thus ensuring a fair distribution among the various stakeholders. Between 2011 and 2023, more than 1,200 billion CFA francs were invested in oil exploration, and 4,513 billion CFA francs in exploitation. Furthermore, the Government is developing an integrated policy for mineral and energy resources by 2040.
Aware of environmental challenges, Côte d'Ivoire has committed to increasing the share of renewable energies to 45% of its energy mix by 2030. Initiatives such as the solar power plant in Boundiali, inaugurated in April 2024, demonstrate this transition towards more environmentally friendly energy.
Thus, Côte d'Ivoire is firmly engaged in a dynamic of economic development based on responsible and sustainable management of its natural resources. The implementation of an integrated policy for mineral and energy resources by 2040 reflects the country's ambition to position itself as a model of governance and innovation in the extractive and energy sectors.
Source: Côte d'Ivoire Government Portal, MEPD Web Portal Editorial Team
