Country Profile
From The Report: Cote d'Ivoire 2020
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Côte d’Ivoire is one of Africa’s most rapidly expanding economies, with significant oil, gas and mineral reserves; a major agriculture sector; and a growing, youthful population driving the country forward. Spread across a wide range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to dry savannah, the former French colony is a mosaic of ethnicities, languages and religions. The presidential elections in October 2020 will be a key test of how far this diverse country has come towards peace and reconciliation since the political instability from 2010 to 2011. Meanwhile, economic inclusion continues to be a priority. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic the country’s growth trajectory was expected to continue, but due to the fallout from the lockdowns and other social-distancing measures this figure is expected to slow significantly. This chapter contains a viewpoint with President Alassane Dramane Ouattara; interviews with Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, UN Conference on Trade and Development; and Sean Cairncross, CEO, Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Vibrant diversity: The country benefits from its wide range of landscapes, resources and cultures
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Côte d’Ivoire is one of Africa’s most rapidly expanding economies, with significant oil, gas and mineral reserves, a major agriculture sector and a growing and youthful population all driving the country forwards. Possessing a wide range of natural environments, stretching from tropical rainforest to dry savannah, the former French colony is also a mosaic of ethnicities, languages, religions and viewpoints. The presidential elections in October 2020 will be a key test of how far this…

Viewpoint

Shared achievements: President Alassane Dramane Ouattara, on the country’s competitive economic growth and new constitution
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Viewpoint:Alassane Dramane Ouattara I have served our country since 2011. When I was running for the Supreme Court in 2010, I never imagined coming to power under the conditions we had experienced: a serious post-electoral crisis; a fragmented country; a torn social fabric; a precarious security situation; and deteriorated infrastructure. Since my inauguration in May 2011 we have had to deal with emergencies that resulted from the crisis. We have restored peace and security, and have returned…

Overview

Path to democracy: The country prepares for upcoming national elections
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Modern Côte d’Ivoire lies in a region that has seen waves of migration and conflict over the centuries as well as great trade and prosperity, with many empires rising and falling along the way. The first archaeological discoveries date back to the Neolithic. The Ahouakro Archaeological Park in northern Tiassalé, which is on the UNESCO Tentative List, has rock art and tools from that epoch. After that, little is known until the arrival of the great West African trading empires of Ghana…

Analysis

Strengthening ties: In recent years the authorities have rebuilt traditional ties and established agreements with new partners
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Since independence in 1960 Côte d’Ivoire’s foreign policy has been characterised by friendly relations with the West, particularly France, and participation in regional and international multilateral organisations. The country’s relations with its immediate neighbours have generally been good, with few of the border tensions that are notable in other West African countries. In recent years Côte d’Ivoire has also played its part in ensuring regional security, and combatting religious…

Interview

Leveraging advantages: Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, UN Conference on Trade and Development, on facilitating services and agricultural exports
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Interview:Mukhisa Kituyi How can Côte d’Ivoire develop its services sector in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic? MUKHISA KITUYI: Like many African countries, Côte d’Ivoire relies on the export of travel and transport services. Exports in these segments grew significantly between 2005 and 2017, to account for almost 66% of the country’s services exports. However, the travel and transport sectors are among the most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be important for Côte d’Ivoire…

Interview

Dynamic economy: Sean Cairncross, CEO, Millennium Challenge Corporation, on policy approaches to sustainable and diversified growth
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Interview:Sean Cairncross In what ways can Côte d’Ivoire accelerate efforts to diversify its economy? SEAN CAIRNCROSS: Côte d’Ivoire is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, thanks in part to improved political stability and governance, investment in people and economic opportunities. To accelerate diversified growth, there are two main constraints that need to be addressed. These are improving human capital, particularly through the economic empowerment of women, and facilitating…