On March 30, 2026, Abidjan was the scene of a major announcement for the Ivorian economy. "Team Europe" officially unveiled a massive investment program of 655.95 billion CFA francs (approximately 1 billion euros) intended to support the new National Development Plan (PND 2026-2030).

A strategic lever of the Global Gateway

This initiative, announced by Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, is part of the Global Gateway strategy. The announcement took place on the sidelines of the EU-West Africa International Business Forum, in the presence of members of the Ivorian government, including Ministers Souleymane Diarrassouba (Planning and Development) and Françoise Remarck (Culture).

Key investment sectors

The objective is clear: to foster inclusive growth and create sustainable jobs. European support will focus on several strategic pillars:

1. Local processing of raw materials (cocoa and particularly cashew nuts).
2. Infrastructure and transport (corridor development).
3. Energy transition (renewable energies and energy efficiency).
4. Education and vocational training .

"We want to invest massively in the cashew nut sector," stressed Myriam Ferran, confirming the EU's desire to go beyond the cocoa sector alone.

The EU, the leading economic partner

Minister Souleymane Diarrassouba welcomed this "new era" of cooperation. He highlighted the increasing commitment of the European Union:

1. 2021-2025: More than 6 billion euros mobilized for the previous NDP.
2. Status: The European Union reaffirms its position as Ivory Coast's leading economic and trade partner .

This new financial commitment marks a decisive step for the industrialization of the country and the strengthening of trade between the two regions.