A delegation of Italian investors has sought the support of Côte d’Ivoire’s government to advance investment opportunities in the West African country, following a business forum held in Abidjan.

Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé received the delegation on Thursday, October 15, at his office in Abidjan-Plateau. The delegation was led by Italy’s ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Roberta Di Lecce, and included Italian business leaders who had attended the investment forum. Foreign Minister Nialé Kaba was also present.

Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in politics, trade, investment and business, Di Lecce told reporters after the meeting. She said the delegation aimed to highlight investment opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire and strengthen business ties between Italian and Ivorian companies.

The ambassador called for the support of the Ivorian prime minister and government to help turn investment prospects into concrete results.

Italy also plans to align its investment priorities with Côte d’Ivoire’s 2026-2030 National Development Plan (PND), which sets out the country’s economic development objectives for the period.

Di Lecce said Italy intended to contribute through resources available under the Mattei Plan, Rome’s strategy for strengthening partnerships with African countries. She described Côte d’Ivoire as a priority country under the initiative from its inception.

Italian investment cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire focuses on sectors including energy, agriculture, agribusiness and infrastructure. The two countries are seeking to match Côte d’Ivoire’s development priorities with Italian resources and business expertise.

The meeting comes as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to attract investment to support its 2026-2030 development programme. No specific investment amount or new agreement resulting from Thursday’s discussions was announced in the statement.