Côte d’Ivoire's Minister of Trade, Industry and Handicrafts, Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, and the Chief Executive Officer of the B5 Plus Group, Mukesh Thakwani, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth 110 billion CFA francs on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Abidjan-Plateau to support the construction of a steel plant with a rolling mill, as well as the development of a pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

Ibrahim Kalil Konaté welcomed the signing of the agreement, which took place on the sidelines of consultations on Côte d’Ivoire’s 2026–2030 National Development Plan (NDP).

"This Memorandum of Understanding will enable the implementation of major projects that are fully aligned with the government's broader vision of transforming our country's economy through industrialization," the minister said.

He also assured the B5 Plus Group of "the full commitment and support of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire in facilitating this strategic project" in order to accelerate the country's industrial development.

The minister stressed that the investment would serve as a major driver of employment and economic growth.

"An investment of 110 billion CFA francs is substantial and will, I am convinced, create thousands of jobs for the Ivorian population, particularly for young people," he said.

For his part, Mukesh Thakwani reaffirmed the company's determination to fast-track the implementation of the project with the support of the Ivorian authorities.

"We want to move quickly to build this industrial facility within a record timeframe. With the support of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, we will create thousands of jobs, manufacture products that meet international standards, and help reduce foreign currency outflows," he said.

He also announced plans for additional industrial investments in Côte d’Ivoire, including the manufacturing of storage tanks and trailers.

Headquartered in Ghana, the B5 Plus Group is one of West Africa's leading manufacturers and distributors of steel products. The company markets more than 4,000 steel products and generates over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across the region.