Since July, Côte d’Ivoire has launched an ambitious economic roadmap centered on its homegrown private champions—local enterprises slated to become the backbone of the economy by 2026. The shift marks a strategic pivot from state-led investment growth to a model powered by domestic private sector dynamism.
Four strategic sectors where national champions will lead
The government has identified key players in natural cosmetics, digital banking, oil and gas distribution, and air transport. Among them is Kaera, a natural cosmetics leader employing 600 people and exporting to over 30 markets. The fintech Djamo, launched in 2020, has already amassed 2 million users, reflecting the rapid rise of digital finance. Petro Ivoire, a major fuel distributor, is also among the selected firms, aiming to boost local value creation.
Over $80 billion pledged to fuel private sector growth
In July, international partners committed more than $80 billion to fund the National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030. These funds will target infrastructure upgrades, private business support, and strategic sector development. The PEPITE-CI 2030 program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance, has already selected 27 high-potential enterprises to receive technical, financial, and strategic backing—with the first cohort announced in December 2025.
Côte d’Ivoire’s economic backdrop: a leader in West Africa
Côte d’Ivoire has sustained strong growth for 15 years, driven by public investment in infrastructure and agriculture. As the world’s top cocoa producer, it serves as a vital economic hub in West Africa. The NDP 2026–2030 signals a decisive turn toward private-sector leadership amid intensifying regional competition with Ghana and Senegal. Like its neighbors, Côte d’Ivoire is leveraging its demographic strength and strategic location to attract foreign capital.
Building a competitive regional economy through local industry
The ultimate goal is to cultivate a robust ecosystem of Ivorian companies capable of competing beyond national borders. The strategy aims to move beyond raw material exports by fostering high-value industries, reducing dependence on commodity cycles, and creating sustainable jobs across key sectors.
While the timeline for expanding support to new PEPITE-CI cohorts remains unannounced, the success of this initiative hinges on the selected enterprises’ ability to scale, innovate, and generate large-scale employment in the coming years.
