Côte d'Ivoire, representing 21% of the total population of the Union, nearly 40% of GDP, and about 43.6% of exports from member countries in 2023, is the economic engine of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). It also provides access to the vast market of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has over 435 million consumers.
Côte d'Ivoire stands out for its exceptional transport and connectivity infrastructure. The country has eight airports, including the Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, certified to the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Its road network, one of the best in the sub-region, spans 81,996 km, including 7,500 km of paved roads and 74,500 km of unpaved roads (AGEROUTE). Its 550 km of coastline and two deep-water ports facilitate the supply of landlocked countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and promote trade with the rest of the world.
Furthermore, the country benefits from a quality telecommunications network, connected to submarine cables such as SAT3, ACE, WACS, MAINONE, and the Morocco Telecom West Africa cable, thus facilitating international communications.
Côte d'Ivoire has significant electricity production capacity, with 2,907 megawatts in 2023. It also plays a role as an energy supplier for neighboring countries, thereby reinforcing its status as a regional energy hub.
The presence of several regional and international institutions, such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM), and the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), underscores the importance of Côte d'Ivoire in the financial and commercial sectors.
The country offers a quality educational environment, with public and private universities such as the Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute in Yamoussoukro, as well as grandes écoles and vocational and technical training centers that meet the needs of students from many countries.
Public and private healthcare facilities meet international standards, including the Abidjan Cardiological Institute, the Abidjan Nuclear Medicine Institute, and the National Center for Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy. These healthcare institutions are among the most efficient in Africa, making the Ivorian healthcare system one of the best in the sub-region.
The economic dynamism of Côte d'Ivoire is reflected in an estimated growth rate of 6.5% in 2023 and an average projected rate of 7.3% per year over the period 2024-2027.
Thus, Côte d'Ivoire asserts itself as an essential economic destination in West Africa, combining business opportunities and modern infrastructure. Its dynamism, connectivity, and central role in regional and international trade make it a key player in African economic development.
