(Ecofin Agency) - With significant mining, agricultural, and tourism potential, the Sud-Comoé region contributes over $1.7 billion to Côte d'Ivoire's GDP. From September 27 to 29, authorities gathered various partners in Aboisso to boost regional private investments.

The "Invest In Sud-Comoé" forum, which ended on September 29, resulted in more than $1.8 billion in investment pledges for Côte d'Ivoire. Solange Amichia, Director General of the Côte d'Ivoire Investment Promotion Center (CEPICI), shared the news. This amount makes up 56.7% of the $3.1 billion CEPICI hopes to raise through the forum.

These numbers show solid progress compared to past forums, such as "Invest In Korhogo," which brought in $100 million, and "Invest In Bouaké," which secured $1.4 billion. The "Invest In" initiative, run by CEPICI to attract private investments across Côte d'Ivoire's regions, is catching the attention of investors worldwide. This year’s event in Aboisso attracted participants from Tunisia, China, Morocco, France, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

Côte d'Ivoire’s economy has been on a strong upward path, with an average growth rate of 7.8% from 2013 to 2019, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Legatum Institute has also recognized the country as having made the most significant progress in prosperity over the past ten years. Even with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine, Côte d'Ivoire’s economy has remained resilient. The country is on track to reach a GDP of $100 billion by 2026.

Seizing these growth opportunities, the Ivorian government aims to secure $95 billion in external funding—both public and private—under the National Development Plan (PND 2021-2025). This financing is being directed toward regions with strong potential. "At CEPICI, we are bringing in investments for industries such as energy, mining, and other sectors that tap into Côte d'Ivoire’s potential. Instead of only hosting forums in Abidjan, we decided to bring investors to the places where the opportunities are. We have mapped out sites for them to visit so they can choose the projects that match their interests," Amichia explained.

Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé added that since 2011, Côte d'Ivoire has made major strides in improving its business environment. "We now have investment and sector-specific codes that are reassuring and very attractive. We have also set up specialized one-stop shops for business formalities, land matters, and foreign trade to simplify and speed up the administrative process," he said. The Prime Minister urged companies to invest in the Sud-Comoé region to help turn it into a key growth area for the country.

A Focus on Local Workforce and Businesses

In Côte d'Ivoire, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up more than 90% of all businesses. The "Invest In Sud-Comoé" forum is seen as a launchpad to promote the local workforce, which Regional Council President Aka Awélé called "abundant." It is also meant to boost Ivorian businesses, especially those operating in the Sud-Comoé region.

To ensure the smooth transfer of technology and provide equal access to investment opportunities, Amichia said CEPICI is focusing on promoting local champions. The goal of regional investments in Côte d'Ivoire is to build partnerships between foreign investors and local SMEs. In collaboration with Côte d'Ivoire PME, local businesses are selected and guided to help them grow and become trusted partners. This support also includes training local workers to match the needs of investors.

After Sud-Comoé, CEPICI is planning another forum in the Bagoué region this December. In 2025, the focus will shift to the Zanzan, Sud-Sassandra, and Man regions.