Breaking ground: World Bank unveils transformative $5.3 billion portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire
The World Bank Group’s active portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire has reached a historic milestone with 25 strategic projects totaling $5.3 billion, announced today by government spokesperson Amadou COULIBALY during the launch of Abidjan Open Doors 2026. This initiative marks a decisive turning point in the nation’s economic trajectory, aligning with the Government’s National Development Plan (PND 2026-2030), which sets a bold target of creating three million jobs—prioritizing youth and women.
The two-day event, held September 21–22 under the theme “Jobs and opportunities: building together for inclusive growth”, brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and project beneficiaries to showcase the tangible impact of international financing across education, infrastructure, agriculture, and energy sectors.
Where the investment is going: sectors driving Côte d’Ivoire’s next chapter
The investment is channeling into high-impact sectors:
- Human capital development: Over $2.7 billion invested by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) over the past five years to empower entrepreneurs and upskill the workforce.
- Infrastructure expansion: Critical upgrades in energy, transportation, and digital connectivity to reduce bottlenecks and attract private investment.
- Agriculture transformation: Scaling sustainable farming practices and agribusiness to boost food security and rural employment.
- Healthcare systems strengthening: Modernizing public health facilities and improving access to essential services.
- Investor confidence building: MIGA’s guarantees are enhancing the business environment and reducing perceived risks for international investors.
Beyond the present: a $17 billion pledge reshaping Côte d’Ivoire’s future
While the current active portfolio stands at $5.3 billion, the World Bank Group has committed to an unprecedented $17 billion investment pipeline for the years ahead. This includes:
- $10 billion from the World Bank’s core lending arm
- $5 billion from the IFC to catalyze private sector growth
- $2 billion from MIGA to secure transformative projects
These funds will be channeled into initiatives aligned with the PND 2026-2030, focusing on job creation, climate resilience, and digital transformation.
Innovative finance: Côte d’Ivoire pioneers new solutions with global backing
Côte d’Ivoire is breaking new ground in development finance through two groundbreaking initiatives:
- Debt-for-development swap: In December 2024, the country executed Africa’s largest debt conversion supported by the World Bank Group, unlocking nearly €400 million to fund education programs and reduce debt pressure.
- Sovereign sustainability-linked loan: In 2025, Côte d’Ivoire issued West Africa’s first sovereign sustainability-linked loan, valued at €433.3 million, linking financial terms directly to environmental and social outcomes.
Partnership in action: aligning global expertise with local priorities
This week’s Abidjan Open Doors event highlights a deeper collaboration between Côte d’Ivoire and the World Bank Group. Just days before, Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, Ivorian Minister of Planning and Development, met with Harold TAVARES, Senior Africa Director at the World Bank Board of Governors, to refine the next Country Partnership Framework. This framework will ensure all future investments are fully synchronized with the priorities of the PND 2026-2030, particularly in job creation and inclusive growth.
