AfDB, US Deepen Ties to Boost Investment, Economic Growth in Côte d’Ivoire

Ribeiro shared that as of October 2025, the AfDB is financing 46 active operations in Côte d’Ivoire, representing an investment of $4.2 billion.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United States have taken a significant step toward reinforcing their economic partnership with Côte d’Ivoire, following a high-level meeting at the AfDB’s headquarters in Abidjan on 17 November 2025. The engagement brought together senior officials from both parties to explore deeper cooperation aligned with the West African nation’s economic priorities and investment roadmap.

Strengthening a Shared Vision for Development

The AfDB was represented by Joseph Martial Ribeiro, Deputy Director General for West Africa, while the U.S. delegation was led by Jessica Davis Ba, United States Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, and Alex Severens, Alternate Executive Director at the AfDB for the U.S. Discussions centered on expanding collaboration across key sectors critical to Côte d’Ivoire’s development, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and private sector growth.

“This meeting marks a strategic moment for enhancing U.S.-AfDB cooperation,” said Ribeiro. “It reflects our joint commitment to accelerating Côte d’Ivoire’s structural transformation and delivering inclusive, sustainable growth.”

A Robust $4.2 Billion Development Portfolio

Ribeiro shared that as of October 2025, the AfDB is financing 46 active operations in Côte d’Ivoire, representing an investment of $4.2 billion. These investments span major development pillars including:

• Transport infrastructure

• Agricultural transformation

• Energy sector modernization

• Industrialisation and private sector strengthening

• Financial sector development

This expansive portfolio underlines the AfDB’s central role in facilitating Côte d’Ivoire’s ambition to become an emerging market economy.

Economic Outlook: Growth, Diversification, and Transformation

During the meeting, Marcellin Ndong Ntah, Lead Economist for West Africa at the Bank, delivered an economic briefing highlighting Côte d’Ivoire’s macroeconomic stability and resilience. The country is projected to achieve 6% GDP growth in 2024, with an upward trajectory to 6.5% in 2025–2026.

The presentation also outlined the implementation of the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2023–2028, which focuses on:

• Economic diversification

• Environmental and social sustainability

• Structural transformation for long-term resilience

A mid-term review of the CSP is scheduled for 2026 to assess impact and refine implementation strategies.

Operational Planning and Sectoral Focus for 2026

Blanche Kiniffo, Country Programme Officer at the AfDB, offered a forward-looking view of the Bank’s pipeline in Côte d’Ivoire. She emphasized that more than 80% of current investments are concentrated in four strategic sectors:

• Transport (including roads and logistics)

• Energy (expanding renewable and grid infrastructure)

• Finance (boosting access to credit and capital)

• Agriculture (value chain transformation)

Looking ahead to 2026, the Bank envisions scaling up operations in:

• Industrialisation and value chain development

• Water and sanitation

• Governance reforms and institutional capacity building

A Platform for U.S. Engagement: Prosperity Working Group

The U.S. Embassy delegation presented its Côte d’Ivoire Trade and Investment Strategy, crafted by the Prosperity Working Group, a cross-sector team focused on identifying U.S. private sector opportunities in the region. The delegation highlighted priority areas such as:

• Clean energy

• Agribusiness

• ICT and digital transformation

• Infrastructure and logistics

The working group aims to align American business interests with development impact, emphasizing transparency, fair competition, and strong local partnerships.

Shared Goals: Private Sector Growth and Procurement Reform

Discussions also addressed procurement processes, project pipeline visibility, and co-financing opportunities for U.S. companies interested in participating in AfDB-backed initiatives. The parties explored:

• Mechanisms for U.S. firms to bid competitively for AfDB-funded projects

• Joint financing options to de-risk private sector investments

• Policy reforms to enhance the investment climate

Looking Ahead: Joint High-Impact Projects and Private Sector Mobilization

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the U.S.-AfDB partnership in support of Côte d’Ivoire’s development. Notably, the meeting paved the way for joint flagship initiatives beginning in 2026, with a strong orientation toward private sector engagement, industrial development, and regional integration.

“The United States sees Côte d’Ivoire as a priority partner in West Africa,” said Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba. “We are pleased to collaborate closely with the African Development Bank to unlock new opportunities for U.S. businesses and support inclusive growth.”

A Strategic Partnership for Africa’s Future

This landmark engagement underscores the pivotal role of multilateral–bilateral partnerships in addressing development challenges and scaling investment across Africa. As the AfDB and the United States align their efforts, the spotlight remains firmly on fostering inclusive prosperity, sustainable infrastructure, and a resilient economy for all Ivorians.