(Ecofin Agency) - In Côte d’Ivoire, close to more than XOF3,000 bln ($6 billion) will be invested in the tourism sector in the framework of the "Sublime Côte d’Ivoire", the country’s tourism sector development strategy for 2018-2025. This was revealed yesterday, February 20, 2019, by Siandou Fofana, the country’s minister of tourism and recreation.

This strategy is aimed at hoisting the country to the TOP 5 tourist destinations in Africa by 2025.

In that regard, a memorandum of understanding was signed by M. Neil de BEER, president of South Africa-based investment fund, Investment Fund for Africa (IFA), and Siandou Fofana, yesterday. In the framework of that memorandum, via Attijariwafa bank, Côte d’Ivoire will provide technical support while the IFA will initiate various engagements and raise additional funds for the implementation of the programme.

Let’s note that Côte d’Ivoire’s tourism sector has been thriving since 2014. In 2016, it contributed to 7.5% of GDP and, according to the tourism ministry, it will record a 5.6% average yearly growth till 2026.

Mouka Mezonlin