Côte d’Ivoire has unveiled a bold economic strategy centered on empowering local private enterprises, designated as national champions, to spearhead the country’s development over the next decade. This initiative marks a deliberate shift from a growth model heavily reliant on public investment to one driven by homegrown private sector dynamism.
Four strategic sectors selected for national champions
The government has pinpointed key industries where these Ivorian firms will operate, including natural cosmetics, digital banking, petroleum and gas distribution, and aviation. Kaera, a leader in organic cosmetics, already employs 600 people and exports to 30 countries, showcasing the potential of value-added local industries. Meanwhile, Djamo, a fintech startup established in 2020, has amassed over 2 million users, highlighting the rapid expansion of digital financial services in the country. Petro Ivoire, a major fuel distributor, is also among the selected enterprises, further reinforcing the push for locally driven economic transformation.
The strategy aligns with the National Development Plan 2026-2030, which targets an average annual growth rate of 7.2% by 2030. The plan emphasizes the creation of robust local value chains and the generation of sustainable employment opportunities in high-potential sectors.
Over $80 billion in international commitments secured
In July, Ivorian authorities secured commitments exceeding $80 billion to fund the National Development Plan, aimed at bolstering infrastructure, supporting private enterprises, and accelerating growth in strategic industries. These resources will play a pivotal role in turning the 2026-2030 vision into reality.
The PEPITE-CI 2030 program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance, is already making strides by identifying and nurturing high-potential companies. The first cohort, announced in December 2025, included 27 award-winning firms that now receive tailored technical, financial, and strategic support to accelerate their expansion.
Ivory Coast’s economic backdrop
Côte d’Ivoire has maintained robust growth for the past 15 years, largely driven by public investments in infrastructure and agriculture. As the world’s top cocoa producer and a leading economic hub in West Africa, the country is now pivoting toward a more private-sector-led model. This shift comes as regional competition with countries like Ghana and Senegal intensifies, prompting Ivory Coast to leverage its demographic vitality and strategic location to attract foreign capital.
The new strategy mirrors similar initiatives in neighboring countries, such as Senegal’s Emerging Senegal Plan, which also relies on national champions to diversify economies. By fostering a competitive private sector, Côte d’Ivoire aims to reduce its dependence on raw material exports and build high-value domestic industries.
Building a competitive regional economy
The overarching goal is to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of Ivorian firms capable of competing on both regional and global stages. Authorities have yet to detail the timeline for rolling out support mechanisms for future cohorts of the PEPITE-CI program. The success of this strategy will hinge on the ability of these selected enterprises to sustain growth and create large-scale employment in the coming years.
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