Ivory Coast has reached a historic milestone. According to the African Industrialization Index (AFI 2025) published by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the country has now entered the Top 10 of the continent's most industrialized economies , rising to 9th place with a score of 0.6173.

This performance confirms the upward trajectory that began in 2023, when Côte d'Ivoire joined the top quintile of this index which assesses 54 countries over the period 2010-2024. In fifteen years, the nation has gained five places, moving from 14th place in 2010 to its current position as leader.

A structural transformation driven by robust growth

For the AfDB, this spectacular progress reflects a profound structural transformation, backed by a robust economic health.

1. Sustained growth: Under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025, the country has posted an average annual growth of 6.5% .
2. Superior dynamism: In 2024, Ivory Coast's GDP grew by 6% , almost two points higher than the average for sub-Saharan Africa.

The engine of local transformation

The AfDB index allocates 50% of its final score to manufacturing performance. In this area, Côte d'Ivoire excels thanks to the local processing of its agricultural raw materials, particularly cocoa and cashew nuts , of which it is one of the world's leading producers.

The economic engine of West Africa

A true economic engine of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), Côte d'Ivoire accounts for nearly 40% of the zone's GDP and generates 42% of its exports .

Today, the secondary sector represents 24% of the national GDP , driven by a strategic quartet:

1. Agribusiness
2. Energy
3. Extractive industries
4. Building and public works (BTP)

At the regional level, Côte d'Ivoire has achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing giants like Nigeria and Ghana. Alongside Senegal (10th), it has established itself as the undisputed industrial leader of the sub-region. At the continental level, Morocco has taken the top spot in the rankings for the first time, dethroning South Africa.

Structural challenges to overcome in order to sustain the gains

Despite this positive assessment, the AfDB urges Ivorian authorities to remain vigilant in the face of three major challenges:

1. Debt: Public debt has jumped from 37.2% of GDP in 2019 to nearly 60% in 2024 .
2. Hyper-centralisation: Territorial inequalities remain marked, with the economic capital, Abidjan, concentrating almost 80% of economic activity on its own.
3. The informal sector: This predominant sector still represents more than half of GDP and captures more than 90% of jobs .

Diversification of the production system remains the main lever for authorities to transform these industrial successes into inclusive and sustainable wealth creation.