Speech by AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah at the Launch of Côte d’Ivoire’s PND 2026–2030 Resource Mobilisation Advisory Group

Speech by Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group, at the launch ceremony of the Advisory Group on Resource Mobilisation for Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – 8 July 2026

Your Excellency, the Vice-President of the Republic,

Your Excellency, the President of the Senate,

Your Excellency, the Speaker of the National Assembly,

Your Excellency, the Prime Minister, Head of Government,

Your Excellency, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence,

Your Excellencies, Members of the Government,

Your Excellencies, Presidents of the Republic’s institutions,

Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions,

Ladies and Gentlemen, representatives of international and regional organisations,

Ladies and Gentlemen, representatives of the private sector and civil society,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Allow me to extend my warmest thanks to the Government of Côte d’Ivoire for inviting our institution to this Consultative Group meeting on resource mobilisation for the 2026–2030 National Development Plan (PND).

It is with deep gratitude and a sense of pride that I address you today.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, all the staff of the African Development Bank Group, and on my own behalf, I would first like to express our most sincere gratitude to His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara and, through him, to all the Ivorian authorities and the great Ivorian people.

Côte d’Ivoire does not merely welcome us; it sustains us.

Since the establishment of the AfDB, Abidjan has been home to our institution’s headquarters. Beyond this hospitality, the Ivorian State provides the Bank with multifaceted, constant and generous support every day: diplomatic facilitation, logistical support, a secure environment and a pan-African vision.

Rest assured of our unwavering commitment to this land, which has become the beating heart of the African Development Bank Group.

 

Your Excellency, Mr Vice-President

Ladies and Gentlemen

One cannot speak of Côte d’Ivoire’s development without paying a heartfelt tribute to His Excellency President Alassane Outtara.

Under his enlightened leadership, Côte d’Ivoire has undergone a remarkable transformation. It has moved from a fragile state to becoming a vibrant, resilient and respected economy.

Recent assessments by the International Monetary Fund bear this out:

- average growth of over 6 per cent over the last decade,

- commendable control of inflation and fiscal consolidation,

- a marked improvement in the business climate and a resurgence of investor confidence,

- massive investment in key infrastructure: ports, bridges, roads, energy, digital development and industrial estates, to name but a few.

Côte d’Ivoire is now a model. A model of stability, reform and results.

It is against this backdrop that the African Development Bank expresses its great pride in being involved in mobilising resources to finance the 2026–2030 National Development Plan.

The National Development Plan (NDP) is not merely a planning document. It is the roadmap for an ambition: that of a ‘Greater Côte d’Ivoire’, one that is ambitious and united. A Côte d’Ivoire that is more industrialised, more inclusive and more competitive by 2030.

The 2021–2025 NDP has already delivered on its promises. It has enabled major progress. In this regard, the following examples can be cited:

- the strengthening of economic and social infrastructure,

- the expansion of access to electricity and water,

- the modernisation of agriculture and the upgrading of value chains,;

- and, above all, the maintenance of an inclusive growth trajectory despite successive global shocks.

The 2026–2030 National Development Plan (NDP) builds on this momentum and amplifies it, as indicated by its six pillars: peace and stability; agriculture and value chains; private investment and national champions; human capital and employment; infrastructure and climate resilience; and good governance.

The key priorities of the PND are clear:

• the consolidation of peace and stability; accelerated industrialisation and structural transformation;
• the large-scale creation of decent jobs for young people and women;
• the green transition and climate resilience;
• and the strengthening of governance and human capital.

In light of this ambition, the African Development Bank Group, guided by its Four Cornerstones and in full alignment with the New African Financial Architecture (NAFAD), reaffirms its full commitment.

We will stand alongside the Ivorian government in mobilising the resources needed to implement the 2026–2030 National Development Plan (PND).

This commitment will cover the entire spectrum: transformative public-sector projects, promising private-sector initiatives, and public-private partnerships, which are now essential for scaling up financing.

Through our lending, guarantee and private capital mobilisation instruments, as well as our technical support, we will harness the full strength of the Bank and NAFAD to serve this vision.

Mr Vice-President,

Côte d’Ivoire has led the way. The African Development Bank Group is proud to walk alongside you.

Thank you.