The future of African economic growth is being shaped in high-level forums where policymakers, global financial institutions, and economic experts converge to exchange ideas and strategies.

The Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, delivered a keynote address at the 2026 African Economic Conference, held at the African Development Bank headquarters in Abidjan. The event brought together the African Development Bank’s President, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, alongside representatives from the United Nations, UNDP, and OECD, who co-organized the conference with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

This annual gathering in Abidjan serves as a critical platform for key stakeholders—including development institution leaders, chief economists from multilateral banks, central bank governors, research centers, and government officials—to address the continent’s most pressing economic transformations.

Amid shifting global dynamics and evolving financing challenges, Côte d’Ivoire presented its strategic roadmap for sustainable development, the National Development Plan 2026-2030. The plan emphasizes forward-thinking public policies, resilient reforms, and an enabling environment for investment, positioning Côte d’Ivoire as a model for economic transformation in West Africa.

As Côte d’Ivoire’s Governor for the African Development Bank, Dr. Diarrassouba highlighted the country’s commitment to fostering innovation in governance, enhancing public policy coordination, and strengthening partnerships to drive inclusive growth across the continent.

The delegation underscored the importance of collective action in shaping the continent’s economic trajectory, reinforcing Côte d’Ivoire’s role as a proactive participant in continental development dialogues.