First Impressions of Côte d’Ivoire
Since arriving in Abidjan a few months ago, Ambassador Sandra Choufani has been deeply impressed by the warm welcome of Ivorians. From her first official meetings, she noted the strength, richness, and diversity of Canada–Côte d’Ivoire relations, as well as the shared willingness to deepen these ties both bilaterally and in multilateral forums such as the UN, African Union, and La Francophonie.
She was also struck by Abidjan’s economic dynamism, visible in its modern skyline, ambitious infrastructure projects, and vibrant neighborhoods. During visits outside the capital, she engaged with students at the National Polytechnic Institute in Yamoussoukro and toured the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, an architectural marvel showcasing Ivorian expertise and audacity. The ambassador also highlighted the country’s lush vegetation, reflecting the generosity and warmth of the Ivorian people.
Diplomatic Priorities
Over the coming years, her mission will focus on building upon the excellent work of her predecessors, further strengthening the friendship and rich relations between Canada and Côte d’Ivoire. Ambassador Choufani arrives at a pivotal moment, shortly after the March announcement of Canada’s Africa Strategy, which outlines ambitious initiatives to increase Canadian engagement on the continent. One key objective is to ensure that Côte d’Ivoire is a priority partner in implementing this strategy.
Expected outcomes include tangible medium-term results aligned with Canada’s economic and commercial interests while maintaining commitments to poverty reduction, resilience, inclusion, and stability. In a global context marked by challenges to democracy, stability, and prosperity, it is essential to consolidate and diversify partnerships with countries that share Canada’s values and vision for a peaceful, inclusive future, and Côte d’Ivoire occupies a central role.
The Canadian Special Envoy for Africa’s presence at President Ouattara’s inauguration in December underscored the commitment to constructive, sustainable collaboration toward a more stable, just, and prosperous world.
Areas of Cooperation
Canada and Côte d’Ivoire have maintained a longstanding, diverse cooperation, with diplomatic relations established in 1962 and development cooperation since 1964. Their partnership is built on shared values of democracy, human rights, gender equality, and inclusive governance, facilitated by a shared language and strong human ties, including a significant Ivorian community in Canada.
Given major geopolitical, technological, and climate transformations, the ambassador emphasized the importance of innovative and sustainable solutions. While Canada already has a significant presence in the mining sector, there is strong potential for expanding Canadian expertise to other Ivorian sectors, generating mutually beneficial outcomes.
Development Priorities
Canada’s development priorities align closely with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan, supporting efforts in human capital development, including vocational training, inclusive and sustainable growth, and social stability and cohesion. Canada builds on long-term efforts in education, health, gender equality, and climate resilience, while fostering cultural exchanges, such as increased Ivorian participation in Canadian artistic events and vice versa.
Economic Opportunities
As the largest foreign investor in the mining sector, Canada supports responsible mining and low-carbon initiatives. There are opportunities for Canadian investment in infrastructure, ICT, agriculture, and regional connectivity, particularly with neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, and Liberia.
Energy Transition and Sustainable Growth
Canada is fully committed to global climate action, contributing CAD 5.3 billion to support energy transition and sustainable growth. In Côte d’Ivoire, this includes projects such as the Feminist Climate Action Project (CAD 942,838), the Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Project in West African Forests (CAD 8.5 million), and other initiatives supporting agriculture, environmental protection, and disaster risk management. Canada also follows Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitious target of 45% renewable energy by 2030, including four newly announced solar power plants totaling 200 MW, attracting Canadian private sector interest.
Education and Training
Canada is a key partner in education and vocational training, offering opportunities for institutional partnerships, tailored programs, distance learning, and innovative academic curricula enabling students to earn credits locally before continuing studies in Canada. Young Ivorians are encouraged to use reliable sources, such as EduCanada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, to avoid fraud. There is also growing potential in ICT, cybersecurity, industrial trades, hospitality, and tourism.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
Gender equality remains a core focus of Canadian international support. Efforts include:
- Strengthening women’s organizations to enhance governance and social cohesion.
- Economic empowerment through support for women’s cooperatives in key agricultural sectors and access to financial services and vocational training.
- Improving health and reproductive rights, with programs targeting maternal health, adolescent health, and girls’ education.
Cultural Exchange
Canada supports cultural exchanges, with Ivorian participation in Canadian events like Vues d’Afrique (Montreal) and TIFF, and Canadian artists featured at Masa in Abidjan. These exchanges strengthen creativity, visibility, and the deep friendship between the two countries.
Message to Partners and Young Ivorians
Ambassador Choufani thanked all partners, artists, entrepreneurs, and young talents contributing to Canada–Côte d’Ivoire relations. She encouraged continued innovation, collaboration, and initiatives that foster inclusive growth, sustainable opportunities, and strengthened friendship. Canada remains open to innovative projects and partnerships aligned with Côte d’Ivoire’s priorities and long-term development goals.
