Côte d’Ivoire courts Chinese investors to accelerate industrialisation

Côte d’Ivoire used the 2026 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei to present investment opportunities linked to its industrialisation strategy and seek greater engagement from Chinese companies.

From Sept. 20 to 23, Solange Amichia, director general of the Centre for the Promotion of Investments in Côte d’Ivoire (CEPICI), presented the country’s industrial investment opportunities to Chinese and international business representatives.

Under its 2026-2030 National Development Plan, Côte d’Ivoire aims to increase the industrial sector’s share of gross domestic product to 30%. The CEPICI presented projects including seven industrial clusters, industrial parks developed by SOGEDI and planned industrial zones between PK103 and PK120 along the northern highway.

The Ivorian delegation also held discussions with authorities from Anhui province and representatives of the Chinese central government. Chinese authorities expressed interest in encouraging major industrial companies from the province to invest in Côte d’Ivoire, while also highlighting cooperation in training and technological innovation.

Business-to-business meetings and factory visits were organised on the sidelines of the convention. Discussions involved companies active in infrastructure, water and sanitation, vehicle and electric-tricycle assembly, tyres, mining, textiles, agribusiness, artificial intelligence and robotics.

The meetings also focused on the potential transfer of technology and expertise to Côte d’Ivoire through industrial investment.

The cooperation comes as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to strengthen its position as an industrial platform serving West African markets. The government has also highlighted the development of industrial zones as part of its broader economic transformation strategy.

The World Manufacturing Convention, held under the theme “Intelligent Manufacturing for a Better Future,” brought together business leaders, government officials and technology experts in Hefei. More than 1,000 participants were expected, including more than 500 international delegates.

The Ivorian delegation, led by Côte d’Ivoire’s ambassador to China, Abou Dosso, included representatives of CEPICI, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Handicrafts, SOGEDI and Ivorian businesses.

The mission also promoted the Côte d’Ivoire-China Economic Forum, scheduled for Dec. 3-5, 2026, in Abidjan.

CEPICI said the discussions in Hefei were intended to continue mobilising Chinese companies around investment and partnership opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the upcoming economic forum.