The Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, received in audience Mr. Marc MANDABA, Minister of Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation of the Central African Republic, on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The meeting focused on the Ivoirian approach to development planning and the prospects for economic cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions highlighted the experience gained by Côte d’Ivoire since 2012 through three consecutive National Development Plans (NDP).
Driven by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Alassane OUATTARA, this strategic coherence has supported a trajectory characterized by sustained growth and economic resilience in the face of successive shocks. The country's financial credibility is further reinforced by the improvement of its sovereign rating with major international rating agencies. Côte d’Ivoire is also classified as having a "low" risk of debt distress following the latest debt sustainability analysis.
The 2026-2030 NDP reflects the Head of State's vision to "build a Great, Stable, Ambitious, and Solidarity-based Nation." It foresees 114,838.5 billion FCFA in investments, with 70.2% expected from the private sector. The Consultative Group held on July 8 and 9, 2026, has already secured 47,820 billion FCFA in funding intentions from development partners and investors.
Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA also presented the participatory formulation process of the 2026-2030 NDP, which was based on broad consultations with development stakeholders.
Mr. Marc MANDABA, whose country is currently implementing its 2024-2028 NDP, commended the Ivoirian experience in planning and expressed the Central African Republic's interest in the various approaches adopted by Côte d’Ivoire.
The meeting also addressed the dynamics of bilateral economic relations. Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA advocated for intensifying trade exchanges between Côte d’Ivoire and the Central African Republic, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
At the conclusion of the audience, both ministers agreed to continue exchanges between their respective ministries and to establish a lasting structured dialogue mechanism between Abidjan and Bangui.