Presidential candidate Jean-Louis Billon met with the Confédération Générale des Entreprises de Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, as part of the “Face au Patronat” forum held at the organization’s headquarters in Plateau, Abidjan.

This event is part of a series of discussions initiated by the private sector with presidential contenders, aimed at presenting their visions and commitments for the country’s economic development.

Established in 2010, the “Face au Patronat” platform provides a space for dialogue between private sector actors and presidential aspirants on issues such as competitiveness, job creation, and economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of the Ivorian employers’ federation, Mamadou Koné, Vice President of CGECI, commended the candidate’s initiative and reiterated the private sector’s expectations.

“One of the key issues we are focusing on at CGECI is building national champions, with a strong emphasis on supporting SMEs to make them tomorrow’s leaders,” he stated.

He also expressed his appreciation for the candidate’s commitment to a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

In his address, Jean-Louis Billon emphasized the central role of the private sector in the nation’s economic transformation.

“You are the key players in development. Côte d’Ivoire cannot move forward without you. We must forge strong alliances to achieve economic sovereignty,” he declared.

He advocated for simplifying administrative procedures, protecting local businesses, and creating a more investment-friendly environment.

“The State must be a partner, not an obstacle,” he insisted, pledging to invest in human capital and to launch a national youth training program in collaboration with businesses.

Billon outlined his vision for a reformed State built on three principles: transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

“Each ministry will be accountable. Public contracts will be published, and economic justice will be transparent,” he explained, announcing the creation of a one-stop mechanism for resolving disputes between businesses and government agencies.

On the financial front, he proposed establishing a sovereignty fund to support national economic actors, while also calling for banking sector reform.

“Ivorian banks understand our economic realities better than foreign institutions. We must restore their confidence,” he argued.

He further pledged to reduce government spending and promote governance by example.

“I cannot do it alone; I need everyone’s support,” he added.

On taxation, Billon promised to ease the tax burden on businesses while ending what he described as abusive exemptions.

“I will put an end to all exemptions. Everyone will pay taxes, but at a fair rate,” he declared.

To strengthen economic and food sovereignty, the candidate called for the development of a decentralized national industry, the protection of Ivorian agriculture, and the improvement of port and airport infrastructure.

“We must build a port in San Pedro and expand the one at Île Boulay to facilitate trade,” he explained.

Billon also proposed relocating the capital to Yamoussoukro to ease congestion in Abidjan and promote balanced territorial development.

For his part, Dr. Kanigui Ouattara, President of the Fédération Ivoirienne des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (FIPME), praised the candidate’s initiative and his commitment to the private sector.

“This forum has helped us better understand the candidate’s priorities. We must preserve social cohesion and encourage a peaceful electoral climate,” he said.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between the business community and the presidential hopeful.