EU and Côte d’Ivoire Strengthen Their Strategic Partnership

The 9th session of the Côte d’Ivoire-European Union Partnership Dialogue opened on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Prime Minister’s Office auditorium in Abidjan-Plateau, under the chairmanship of Robert Beugré Mambé.

The Ivorian Prime Minister praised the strong relationship between Côte d’Ivoire and the European Union, describing it as a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for development.

This 9th session focused on peace and security, as well as the business climate. It was attended by Nialé Kaba and Irchad Razaaly.

“We particularly thank our European partners for their constant commitment alongside us. This strategic, strong, and forward-looking partnership aims to promote stability, growth, and shared prosperity for the benefit of our populations,” said Robert Beugré Mambé.

For her part, Nialé Kaba stressed that over the years, the partnership between Côte d’Ivoire and the European Union has continued to strengthen, diversify, and adapt to major changes in the international environment.

She noted that the partnership is now part of a renewed dynamic driven by a common ambition: to build resilient, inclusive, and prosperous societies for the benefit of their populations. According to her, this consultation mechanism remains a key instrument for deepening political dialogue and finding common solutions to concrete challenges.

EU Ambassador Irchad Razaaly recalled that relations between the European Union and Côte d’Ivoire have lasted for 65 years.

“Sixty-five years of presence is a story. This partnership is built on continuity and trust. In a world marked by uncertainty, our collaboration is a safeguard against chaos, whether it is about stabilizing West Africa, further boosting the Ivorian economy, or jointly responding to international crises,” he said.

He added that beyond its political and strategic dimension, the European Union is today Côte d’Ivoire’s leading trade partner, main investor, and largest donor.

Through the Global Gateway strategy, the EU is also expanding its ambitions in Côte d’Ivoire. Recent commitments include €1 billion (about CFA 656 billion) for the country’s 2026–2030 National Development Plan, CFA 17.4 billion to support 700 SMEs, and €410 million for renewable energy projects.