The Ivorian president, Alassane Ouattara, has once again emphasized his commitment to positioning Côte d’Ivoire on a fast-track development path. In a bold call to action, he urged all national stakeholders to unite behind his vision for a “Greater Côte d’Ivoire.” This rallying cry, issued at the start of a new political cycle, reflects the head of state’s determination to bring together administrative, economic, religious, and community leaders around a shared national project. It comes at a pivotal moment as Abidjan aims to leverage a decade of robust growth to achieve a structural leap forward.
Uniting Ivorian stakeholders for a common cause
The presidential appeal is explicitly directed at all segments of Ivorian society. Government institutions, political parties, the private sector, civil society, traditional leadership, and the diaspora are all invited to contribute to this collective endeavor. The chosen framing underscores an integrative approach to public action, where the success of the national project hinges on broad-based support rather than executive fiat alone. This strategy is not without significance. It arrives at a political juncture where the stability and continuity of public policies are particularly critical.
For Alassane Ouattara, this initiative builds on the strategic directions he has championed since 2011, centered on industrialization, rural connectivity, and positioning Abidjan as a regional hub. The president seeks to convert a favorable macroeconomic momentum—marked by average growth exceeding 6% in recent years—into tangible social benefits for households. The “Greater Côte d’Ivoire” rhetoric encapsulates this dual ambition: strengthening economic indicators while ensuring more equitable wealth distribution.
A long-term economic and political blueprint
Economically, the promise of a larger Côte d’Ivoire points to several high-impact projects already underway. The Port of Abidjan continues to expand, while San Pedro is scaling up in mining and agricultural sectors. The highway network is extending northward toward Burkina Faso and Mali, with the goal of strengthening West African logistics corridors. The energy sector, long a vulnerability highlighted by the 2024 supply crisis, is receiving significant investments to secure production and diversify the energy mix.
Yet the political dimension remains equally pivotal. By rallying stakeholders, the Ivorian president aims to broaden the support base for his agenda beyond the Rassemblement des houphouëtistes pour la démocratie et la paix (RHDP). This rhetorical openness signals a strategic calculation: major infrastructure and economic transformation projects require minimal consensus to withstand potential political shifts. The emphasis on the nation, rather than a single political camp, aligns with this long-term vision.
Building consensus as the cornerstone of progress
The choice of language is deliberate. By invoking the “Greater Côte d’Ivoire,” the executive draws on a political tradition rooted in the legacy of founding president Félix Houphouët-Boigny, where national ambition was articulated through mobilizing slogans. This claimed lineage seeks to embed presidential action within a historical continuity and mitigate criticisms regarding an overreliance on centralized power. However, the tangible success of this appeal will depend on the institutions’ ability to translate political rhetoric into actionable frameworks.
Observers note that achieving such a vision demands measurable progress in governance, business climate, and territorial equity. Northern and central regions, lagging in infrastructure compared to the coastal areas, remain top priorities. Additionally, the challenge of youth inclusion—given that over 75% of the population is under 35—poses a structural hurdle. The president’s call will only gain real traction if it translates into concrete mechanisms for engaging the mentioned actors in decision-making processes.
