• Côte d’Ivoire recorded $1.6 billion in investment pledges at the “Invest in District Savanes” forum in Korhogo.
• 92% of commitments focused on projects listed in the official investment catalog, including a dry port, a multiproduct pipeline, and a datacenter.
• Authorities will establish a monitoring committee to track the implementation of pledges.

Côte d’Ivoire secured more than $1.6 billion (CFA942 billion) in investment pledges during the “Invest in District Savanes” forum, held from Sept. 26–27 in Korhogo, according to the Investment Promotion Center of Côte d’Ivoire (CEPICI).

CEPICI said that 92% of the commitments targeted projects presented in the investment catalog, while the rest focused on outside initiatives. Key announcements included the construction of a dry port in Ferkessédougou, a multiproduct pipeline, a datacenter in Korhogo, and an animal feed plant with an annual capacity of 320,000 tons.

The forum gathered over 1,100 participants from Côte d’Ivoire, France, China, Guinea, Tunisia, and the Ivorian diaspora. Cabinet ministers Bruno Nabagné Koné (Construction), Adama Coulibaly (Finance), and Moussa Sanogo (State Assets) attended the event. Authorities presented 38 projects and opportunities worth $2.6 billion (CFA1,500 billion) to investors.

The forum is part of CEPICI’s “Invest In” initiative, which seeks to strengthen the attractiveness of Ivorian regions to private capital. Previous editions generated $1.8 billion in pledges in Sud-Comoé and $100 million in the Vallée du Bandama. The latest edition showcased the economic potential of the District of Savanes.

Located in northern Côte d’Ivoire, bordering Mali and Burkina Faso, the District of Savanes holds a strategic position at the crossroads of regional trade routes. Known as the country’s agricultural breadbasket, the district offers fertile land and diversified production, making it a prime target for new investments.

“Thematic presentations on investment opportunities led to key recommendations,” CEPICI said. Among them is the creation of a monitoring committee involving the District, CEPICI, and local authorities to ensure the realization of pledges.

Côte d’Ivoire aims to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030. The government is relying on private sector investment to drive development in strategic territories and sustain economic growth, which has remained above 6% since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article was initialy published in French by Moutiou Adjibi Nourou

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum