Côte d’Ivoire highlights economic resilience
Côte d’Ivoire has called for stronger financial preparedness against global economic shocks while seeking to expand development financing partnerships during the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Bangkok, Thailand.
Finance Minister Adama Coulibaly, who heads the Ivorian delegation, met with international financial partners and finance ministers from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) to discuss economic prospects, public debt and the impact of geopolitical tensions, energy price fluctuations and climate change.
Economic growth in Africa is projected at 4.2% in 2026 and 4.4% in 2027, while UEMOA is expected to record growth of 6.1% this year and 6.4% in 2027, according to figures presented by the minister.
Coulibaly stressed the need to maintain sufficient fiscal room to respond to external shocks, despite the region’s economic resilience and improved foreign exchange reserves.
The discussions also covered public debt and the potential role of artificial intelligence in addressing Africa’s development challenges.
During a separate meeting with the World Bank, the institution’s Vice President for West and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, praised Côte d’Ivoire’s economic performance and the implementation of development projects. He cited a disbursement rate of 26% in 2026 and announced preparations for a new partnership framework extending to 2035, aligned with the country’s National Development Plan.
The World Bank’s announced $17 billion in financing is expected to support programmes in energy, agriculture, human capital development and regional projects, with job creation among the main objectives.
The Ivorian delegation also held discussions with the US Treasury and explored potential cooperation with Thailand in industrial development, agriculture, rice production and the circular economy.
The meetings come as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to mobilise financing for its development priorities while strengthening its capacity to withstand uncertainty in the global economy.
