Côte d’Ivoire outlines ambitious economic roadmap for 2027–2029

Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, Adama Coulibaly, on Friday presented the 2027–2029 Multiannual Budgetary and Economic Programming Document (DPBEP) to members of the National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Affairs Committee (CAEF), outlining the government’s medium-term economic, budgetary and financial priorities.

The presentation formed part of the budget orientation debate required under the country’s organic law on public finance. Although the exercise does not involve a vote, it represents a key stage in the preparation of the 2027 State Budget and its medium-term fiscal framework.

Addressing lawmakers, Coulibaly detailed the government’s economic roadmap amid a global environment marked by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

“This DPBEP sets out the government’s budgetary, economic and financial orientations, as well as the objectives for maintaining public finance sustainability over the medium term,” the minister said.

A Strong Economy Driven by Sustained Growth

According to the projections presented, Côte d’Ivoire is expected to maintain robust economic growth, averaging 6.8% annually between 2027 and 2029, with growth projected to reach 7.7% in 2029.

“We are forecasting sustained growth throughout the period,” Coulibaly told lawmakers.

Budgetary projections also point to significant expansion. The State budget is expected to rise from 17.35 trillion CFA francs in 2026 to 18.47 trillion CFA francs in 2027, before increasing to 20.49 trillion CFA francs in 2028 and 22.32 trillion CFA francs in 2029.

The minister said this growth would be supported primarily by stronger domestic resource mobilization.

“The key is strengthening domestic revenue collection. This is what will enable us to achieve better economic indicators,” he said.

Tax revenues are projected to reach 8.82 trillion CFA francs in 2027 and climb to 11.51 trillion CFA francs by 2029.

Another key indicator highlighted by the minister was the budget deficit. After declining from 6.7% of GDP in 2022 to 3% in 2025, in line with the WAEMU convergence criterion, the deficit is expected to rise slightly to 3.8% in 2026 before returning to 3% by 2028.

According to Coulibaly, this trajectory reflects the impact of reforms implemented by the government to strengthen fiscal stability.

On public debt, the minister noted that after peaking at 59.5% of GDP in 2024, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to gradually decline to 52.8% by 2029.

“Public debt remains under control, and we are committed to a genuine debt-reduction process,” he said.

Human Capital, Infrastructure and Reforms at the Core of Priorities

The budget framework remains closely aligned with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030.

The government plans to devote approximately 28.3% of budget resources to human capital development, including education, healthcare, employment and social protection.

At the same time, nearly 49% of budget allocations will be directed toward strategic infrastructure projects, regional economic hubs and the ecological transition.

On reforms, Coulibaly announced the continuation of efforts to rationalize tax exemptions, strengthen the digitalization of tax and customs administration, and implement green taxation policies.

“We will generalize electronic invoicing and strengthen green taxation, notably through a carbon tax,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating the structural transformation of the Ivorian economy in line with the country’s long-term “Côte d’Ivoire 2030” vision.

“Côte d’Ivoire’s economic outlook remains positive and is based on strong, inclusive and sustainable growth,” Coulibaly concluded.