(Ecofin Agency) - Côte d'Ivoire aims to achieve average economic growth of 7.65% between 2021 and 2025, in line with its National Development Program (NDP). To attain this goal, the government is stepping up measures to accelerate the structural transformation of the economy.

The Ivorian government is preparing the construction of a new industrial zone in San Pedro, in the southwest of the country. According to information reported following the Ministers’ Council last March 9, the project will cover nearly 540 ha.

“The holders of customary rights, final title to the project rights-of-way, tenants or their assigns will receive compensation according to the regulations in force. Also, any transaction, any new construction, even precarious, any work likely to change the state of the soil, relating to this area are prohibited,” the statement reads.

The construction of this new industrial zone is part of the implementation of an agreement between the Ivorian government and the Arise Ivoire group, signed on 25 August 2020, in Abidjan. The agreement concerns the establishment of three industrial-economic centers in Akoupé Zeudji (Abidjan), San Pedro (southwest), and Ferkessédougou (north) for nearly $1.7 billion. Once completed, the San Pedro industrial center will be the third in operation after those of Yopougon and Akoupé Zeudji.

As a reminder, on May 11, 2021, the Ivorian Minister of Trade and Industry, Souleymane Diarrassouba, launched the Project to Improve Services to Industries in Côte d'Ivoire (PASI-CI). The project is backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and aims to help the beneficiary “mobilize funds from technical and financial partners for the industrial sector.”

Jean-Marc Gogbeu, intern