President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire recently affirmed the nation’s unwavering development trajectory, highlighting its remarkably dynamic economy. Speaking on the eve of Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th independence anniversary, during his traditional address to the nation on August 6, President Ouattara emphasized that the country continues to boast one of the highest annual growth rates regionally and globally, a testament to its strong fundamental economic principles.
However, the President underscored that such economic performance only holds true significance if it translates into tangible improvements in the daily lives of Ivorian citizens. To this end, he announced the government’s continued commitment to enhancing access to essential services. These efforts will focus on bolstering the provision of potable water, electricity, quality healthcare, education, housing, and increasingly efficient public services. Furthermore, particular attention will be directed towards boosting employment opportunities, strengthening household purchasing power, and safeguarding the most vulnerable segments of the population.
President Ouattara articulated an ambitious vision for the coming years: to forge a ‘Great Côte d’Ivoire’. This aspiration encompasses not only the expansion of its economy and the grandeur of its infrastructure but also the superior quality of its development, the shared prosperity of its people, and its prominent standing within Africa and across the globe. He stated that this overarching ambition serves as the guiding principle for the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030, which is poised to ignite a fresh impetus for the economic, social, and cultural transformation of the country.
The President expressed satisfaction with the robust mobilization witnessed during the PND financing consultative group, held on July 8 and 9. He noted that this strong engagement signals profound confidence in Côte d’Ivoire, a direct result of the stability, institutional credibility, and collective efforts achieved over several years. Additionally, President Ouattara highlighted the establishment of the Sovereign Strategic Fund for the Development of Côte d’Ivoire (FSD-CI) last April. This initiative, he explained, demonstrates a clear commitment to reinforcing financial sovereignty and proactively securing prosperity for future generations. He clarified that this new instrument will play a crucial role in funding structuring investments, fostering strategic sectors, and supporting the ongoing transformation of the Ivorian economy.
Continued institutional modernization
Recognizing that sustainable development is inextricably linked to robust, credible, and adaptable institutions, President Alassane Ouattara affirmed that Côte d’Ivoire has successfully restored peace, solidified stability, and strengthened its institutions over recent years. He added that this progress naturally compels the nation to pursue further modernization of these institutions, ensuring they continually meet the evolving demands of its democracy and the expectations of its citizens.
In this vein, the President outlined the government’s undertaking of electoral governance reform, following the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). He described this reform as a new milestone in Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic maturity, aimed at completing the normalization of the electoral system. By clearly delineating responsibilities for the material organization of elections, vote tabulation, and process observation, the government seeks to enhance transparency, build greater trust among all stakeholders, and solidify the nation’s democracy for the long term. He urged all Ivorians to contribute to this modernization effort and, by respecting institutions, advance democracy throughout the country.
A call to youth, women, entrepreneurs, and farmers
President Ouattara conveyed that the ‘Great Côte d’Ivoire’ to which everyone aspires will be cultivated through the hard work, talent, commitment, and collective trust of its entire population. He urged every Ivorian man and woman to fully seize opportunities and contribute their energy, talent, ideas, and dedication to this national endeavor.
Addressing the youth directly, he asserted Côte d’Ivoire’s belief in their talent, creativity, and capacity to forge new paths. He declared, “You are the future and the present of our country, and nothing we undertake will be achieved without you.” Regarding women, President Ouattara commended their courage, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit, recognizing these qualities as an essential force driving national development.
While acknowledging the need for entrepreneurs to demonstrate audacity, innovation, and a willingness to invest to generate greater wealth and employment for the nation, the President also highlighted the critical role of farmers. He emphasized that farmers remain the primary architects of Côte d’Ivoire’s food sovereignty and overall prosperity.
Protecting citizens, upholding human dignity, central to public action
The Ivorian President further announced that the protection of citizens, respect for human dignity, and the enforcement of the law will consistently remain at the core of public action. Consequently, operations to clear high-risk zones will proceed with strict adherence to the rule of law, prioritizing the preservation of human lives. He mentioned having instructed the government to accelerate investments in drainage and sanitation infrastructure, bolster prevention mechanisms, and continue social housing programs.
Concerning eviction operations conducted outside legal frameworks, particularly in Koumassi-campement, the Head of State confirmed that thorough investigations are currently underway. He assured that “All responsibilities will be established, and they will lead to the sanctions provided by law. In the Côte d’Ivoire we are building, no one can act on behalf of the State outside the State without facing the consequences.”
In accordance with his constitutional prerogatives, President Ouattara signed two decrees related to justice, granting freedom to 4,661 common law detainees convicted of minor offenses. Specifically, the first decree pardons 2,064 detainees, while the second grants a sentence reduction to 2,597 detainees with a remaining sentence of less than 36 months.
Finally, Alassane Ouattara extended an invitation to the entire population to participate massively in the independence celebration, featuring a grand parade in Yopougon. He described this commune, located north of Abidjan, as embodying the energy of youth, the diversity of the people, and the dynamism and vitality of modern Côte d’Ivoire.