The World Bank Group’s active portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire now stands at 25 projects, representing a total commitment of $5.3 billion. This figure was announced on Monday, September 21, 2026, in Abidjan, at the opening of the Group’s first-ever Open Days. The announcement was made by Mr. Amadou Coulibaly, Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, representing Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Planning and Development and World Bank Group Governor for Côte d’Ivoire.
The World Bank Group and the Government are hosting these Open Days on September 21 and 22 under the theme “Jobs and Opportunities: Building Together for Inclusive Growth.” Several Government members attended the opening ceremony, alongside Mrs. Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, World Bank Division Director for Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, and Togo.
Over two days, students, young graduates, and project leaders are meeting with teams from projects financed by the institution, focusing on education, employment, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure. Employment is the common thread of the discussions: the 2026-2030 National Development Plan (PND) aims to create three million jobs, with priority given to young people and women.
The Group’s financing covers infrastructure, agriculture, energy, education, health, and human capital development. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested nearly $2.7 billion in Côte d’Ivoire over the past five years. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) is also helping to strengthen investor confidence.
This ongoing portfolio is distinct from the commitment announced for the coming years. At the Consultative Group for the financing of the 2026-2030 National Development Plan, held in Abidjan on July 8 and 9, 2026, the World Bank Group announced an engagement of over $17 billion: $10 billion from the World Bank, $5 billion from the IFC, and $2 billion from MIGA.
The partnership has also been marked by unprecedented financial operations in the region. In December 2024, Côte d’Ivoire, with the Group’s support, carried out a debt-for-development swap, the first of its kind backed by the institution. Covering nearly €400 million of commercial debt, it improves the debt profile and frees up resources for education. In 2025, the country concluded the first sustainability-linked sovereign loan in West Africa, amounting to €433.3 million, with a dual guarantee from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and MIGA.
This sequence is part of an ongoing partnership. On September 10, Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba received Mr. Harold Tavares, Director of the Africa Group II at the World Bank Group’s Board of Directors, in Abidjan. The discussions focused on the Ivorian portfolio and the preparation of the next Country Partnership Framework, which is expected to align with the priorities of the 2026-2030 PND.
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