Council of Ministers: New Measures to Support Economic and Social Development in Côte d'Ivoire

Council of Ministers: New Measures to Support Economic and Social Development in Côte d'Ivoire

Abidjan, December 19, 2024 – The Council of Ministers met today under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara at the Presidential Palace. The session lasted nearly two hours and resulted in key decisions aimed at addressing essential sectors for the country’s growth.

Legislative Measures and Decree Approvals
Among the significant decisions, the Council approved several important decrees. One of the key measures concerns the extension of the special procedure for the declaration of birth, the restoration of identity, and the transcription of birth certificates introduced by Law No. 2018-863. This decree is designed to address the thousands of Ivorians who have never registered their births or whose birth records were destroyed. The three-year extension will allow many more citizens to regularize their status.

The Council also declared the “Bourse de Sous-Traitance et de Partenariat de Côte d’Ivoire (BSTP-CI)” association of public utility. The association’s work focuses on enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses through subcontracting partnerships. This decree underlines the government’s commitment to boosting the growth of the national private sector.

Infrastructure Investments for Development
Another highlight was the ratification of several loan agreements aimed at financing essential infrastructure projects. Among these, a loan of 16 billion CFA francs was secured from the West African Development Bank (BOAD) to fund the construction of a water distribution network in the communes of Abobo and Yopougon. This project will significantly improve access to potable water for residents in these historically underserved areas of Abidjan.

In another major infrastructure initiative, the Council approved a decree declaring the public utility of a 15-hectare site in N'Dotré, Abobo, for the construction of a modern scrap yard. This move aims to improve urban cleanliness by formalizing the sector and eliminating informal scrap metal collection practices.

Strengthening Ivorian Diplomacy
On the diplomatic front, the President appointed Mr. Mamadou Haidara as Côte d'Ivoire's Ambassador to the Republic of Gambia, with residence in Dakar. Additionally, three new ambassadors from countries such as the Philippines, Cuba, and Gambia were officially accredited to Côte d'Ivoire, strengthening the country's international relations.

Governance and Public Management
The Council also adopted several decisions aimed at improving public governance. A decree regulating the fees for services provided by real estate agencies and brokers was approved, intending to standardize pricing across the sector nationwide.

Fighting Poverty and Inequality
Furthermore, the government launched a special initiative to remove children living on the streets, a growing concern in certain regions. The operation will begin in Abidjan, with a two-phase plan for nationwide implementation. A budget of 2.3 billion CFA francs has been allocated for the operation to ensure the care and social reintegration of the children.