Côte d'Ivoire-European Union Cooperation: The Coordination Cell's Commitment to Ongoing Projects

The Coordination Cell for Côte d'Ivoire-European Union Cooperation (CCC CI/EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the implementation of ongoing initiatives, particularly the Support Program for the Food Crop Sector in Côte d'Ivoire (PASVCI). The program focuses on enhancing vegetable and cassava production, supporting civil society organizations, and assisting key sectors such as cocoa, energy, and political dialogue.

Semon Bamba, the National Coordinator of the CCC CI/EU, made this announcement on March 7, 2025, in Yamoussoukro, following a workshop that reviewed the 2024 achievements and outlined priorities for 2025. The workshop, held from March 6 to 8, highlighted the ongoing efforts and future goals of the partnership between Côte d'Ivoire and the European Union.

Priorities and Ongoing Initiatives for 2025

The priorities for 2025 include the implementation of the Samoa Agreement, a partnership between the European Union and member countries of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS). This agreement aims to foster deeper cooperation and ensure the effective completion of European Development Fund (EDF) projects, allowing Côte d'Ivoire to fully benefit from both the Samoa Agreement and the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI).

The CCC CI/EU will continue its support for the PASVCI, focusing on the improvement of food crop production and empowering civil society organizations. Additionally, the Cell will persist in backing critical sectors like cocoa and energy, along with facilitating ongoing political dialogue.

2024 Achievements

In 2024, significant progress was made, with the signing of five financing agreements amounting to 112 million euros (around 74 billion CFA). These projects cover a range of areas, including the promotion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sustainable agroforestry, green energy production, the fight against money laundering, preventing terrorism financing, and managing migration.

Semon Bamba expressed satisfaction with the financial performance, with 10.52 million euros paid out of an expected 12.5 million euros, representing 84.2% of the forecasted payments.

Budget Support

From 2021 to 2024, the European Union provided 39.5 million euros (approximately 25.8 billion CFA) in budgetary support to Côte d'Ivoire. Looking ahead, the EU has programmed 100.3 billion CFA for the period from 2025 to 2027 to continue supporting the implementation of key projects.

This ongoing collaboration between Côte d'Ivoire and the European Union reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development and mutual growth, with a focus on long-term impact in various sectors of the economy.