Described as both a strategic and symbolic moment, the New Year luncheon between the Ivorian government and private sector leaders was held on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Abidjan-Plateau. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, Adama Coulibaly, and marked the first 2026 session of the State–Private Sector Technical Consultation Committee.
The gathering provided an opportunity to review achievements from 2025 and set the tone for a new phase of dialogue aimed at being more inclusive, in-depth, and mutually beneficial for both the government and the private sector. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Handicrafts, Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, and the President of the Ivorian Employers’ Association, Ahmed Cissé.
Minister Coulibaly highlighted that 2026 will be shaped by the launch of the 2026–2030 National Development Plan (PND), which places the private sector at the center of Côte d’Ivoire’s structural economic transformation. Key priorities include accelerating private sector participation in the implementation of the new PND, continuing discussions on the fiscal annex, operationalizing support policies for national champions, and addressing new concerns raised by professional organizations.
He reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to deepening dialogue in a spirit of shared responsibility and called for more frequent meetings to ensure closer monitoring of decisions and commitments.
Reflecting on 2025, the minister described it as a year of progress in public-private consultation. Achievements included improved operational efficiency at the Port of Abidjan, adjustments to fertilizer import and distribution mechanisms, and increased private sector involvement in drafting the 2026 fiscal annex.
He also highlighted efforts to promote national entrepreneurship through the Economic Program for Innovation and Business Transformation. Under this initiative, a first cohort of 27 high-potential companies is receiving targeted support, with a budget allocation of 10 billion CFA francs planned for 2026.
For his part, Minister Ibrahim Kalil Konaté welcomed the institutionalization of the dialogue, describing it as clear evidence of the government’s commitment to listening to the private sector. “Dialogue is the weapon of winners,” he stated, reaffirming the government’s support for business investment.
Several members of the Ministry’s cabinet, directors general of affiliated agencies, and the Executive Secretary of the State–Private Sector Consultation Committee also attended the meeting, which set the course for strengthened collaboration in 2026.