Côte d’Ivoire: alassane ouattara highlights robust economic growth and future development plans

President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire recently affirmed the nation’s steadfast development trajectory, highlighting its consistently dynamic economy. He noted that the country boasts one of the highest annual growth rates in the region and globally, underscoring the resilience of its core economic principles. These remarks were delivered during his customary address to the Nation on the evening of August 6th, preceding the celebration of Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th independence anniversary.

However, President Ouattara emphasized that such economic performance only holds true significance when it translates into tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens. To this end, he announced the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing access to essential services. This includes strengthening provisions for potable water, electricity, healthcare, quality education, housing, and continually improving public utilities. Furthermore, he reiterated a dedicated focus on employment generation, boosting household purchasing power, and safeguarding the most vulnerable segments of the population.

Looking ahead, Alassane Ouattara articulated an ambitious vision for the coming years: to forge a “Grande Côte d’Ivoire.” This grand aspiration envisions a nation defined not only by the expansive scale of its economy and the significance of its infrastructure but also by the superior quality of its development, the shared prosperity of its people, and its prominent standing in Africa and worldwide. He affirmed that this very ambition serves as the guiding force behind the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030, poised to inject fresh momentum into the economic, social, and cultural transformation of the country.

Expressing satisfaction with the strong engagement observed during the consultative group meeting for PND financing, held on July 8th and 9th, President Ouattara revealed that this robust mobilization signals profound confidence in the nation. He attributed this trust to years of collective efforts, stability, and the credibility of Côte d’Ivoire’s institutions. The President also highlighted the establishment of the Strategic Sovereign Fund for the Development of Côte d’Ivoire (FSD-CI) last April. This fund, he explained, embodies the nation’s resolve to bolster financial sovereignty and proactively secure the prosperity of future generations. “This new instrument will play a crucial role in funding structuring investments, fostering the growth of strategic sectors, and supporting the ongoing transformation of our economy,” he clarified.

Poursuite de la modernisation des institutions 

Continued modernization of institutions

Recognizing that sustainable development is inextricably linked to robust, credible institutions capable of addressing contemporary challenges, Alassane Ouattara stated that Côte d’Ivoire has, over several years, re-established peace, solidified its stability, and strengthened its institutional framework. He added that this progress naturally compels the nation to pursue further modernization of these institutions, ensuring they continually meet the evolving demands of its democracy and the expectations of its citizens.

It is in this spirit, he conveyed, that the government embarked on reforming electoral governance, following the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). This reform, designed to finalize the normalization of the electoral system, marks a significant step in the nation’s democratic maturation. The President left no room for ambiguity, declaring: “By more clearly delineating responsibilities related to the material organization of elections, vote tabulation, and process observation, we aim to enhance transparency, increase trust among all stakeholders, and durably consolidate our democracy.” He then called upon all citizens to contribute to this modernization effort, thereby advancing democracy within the country, while upholding institutional respect.

Un appel aux jeunes, femmes, entrepreneurs, agriculteurs

An appeal to youth, women, entrepreneurs, farmers

Implying that the “Grande Côte d’Ivoire” everyone aspires to will emerge from the hard work, talent, commitment, and confidence of its entire populace, the Head of State urged every Ivorian man and woman to fully seize opportunities and contribute their energy, talent, ideas, and dedication.

Addressing the youth, he affirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s belief in their talent, creativity, and capacity to forge new paths. “You represent the future and the present of our nation, and nothing we undertake will be accomplished without you,” he asserted.

Regarding women, he underscored their courage, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit, which he considers an essential force for national development.

While acknowledging entrepreneurs’ need for boldness, innovative capacity, and willingness to invest to generate greater wealth and employment for the country, he emphasized that farmers remain the foremost architects of the nation’s food sovereignty and prosperity.

Protection des populations, respect de la dignité humaine,…,au cœur de l’action publique

Protection of populations, respect for human dignity, and law enforcement at the heart of public action

The Ivorian President also announced that safeguarding the populace, upholding human dignity, and enforcing the law will consistently remain central to public policy. Consequently, operations aimed at clearing high-risk zones will continue strictly within the framework of the rule of law, prioritizing the preservation of human lives. He mentioned instructing the government to accelerate investments in drainage and sanitation infrastructure, strengthen prevention mechanisms, and pursue social housing programs.

Concerning eviction operations conducted outside legal parameters, particularly in Koumassi-campement, the Head of State confirmed that thorough investigations are currently underway. He assured: “All responsibilities will be established, leading to sanctions as prescribed by law. In the Côte d’Ivoire we are building, no one can act on behalf of the State outside the State without facing consequences.”

In alignment with his constitutional prerogatives, the President signed two justice-related decrees, granting freedom to 4,661 common law detainees convicted of minor offenses. Specifically, the first decree pardons 2,064 detainees, while the second grants a sentence reduction to 2,597 detainees with less than 36 months remaining on their sentences.

Finally, Alassane Ouattara extended an invitation to the entire population to participate enthusiastically in the independence celebration, featuring a grand parade in Yopougon. This commune, located north of Abidjan, he noted, embodies the youthful energy, diverse populace, dynamism, and vitality of modern Côte d’Ivoire.