From May 11 to 15, 2026, the Executive Secretariat of the State-Private Sector Consultation Committee (CCESP) conducted a major mission to Korhogo. The objective? To revitalize the local committee (CLCESP) in the capital of the Poro region by bringing together more than 300 economic stakeholders. Over five days, workshops and experience-sharing sessions helped to address the obstacles to the competitiveness of local businesses.

Here are the main themes that shaped this week of discussions.

1. Support for SMEs and industrial development: the initial challenges

The launch of the mission highlighted the tools to support businesses, with interventions from Adci (Agency for the Development of Competitiveness) and ONCE (National Observatory for Competitiveness).

The debate became more concrete on the second day, focusing on industrial land as a driver of growth . The local management of Sogedi presented a frank assessment of the Korhogo industrial zone:

1. Uncontrolled urbanization: The original area is now being eaten away by housing.
2. Border conflict: A land dispute persists over a plot located between the municipalities of Tioro and Napié.

Result: The prefectural authorities, the town halls, Sogedi and the traditional chiefs have defined a roadmap with clear responsibilities to unblock the situation.

2. Calming the rural world: the clash between livestock farmers and crop farmers

Considered a major obstacle for local SMEs, conflicts between livestock farmers and crop farmers were the focus of attention on the third day. Under the auspices of Mirah (Animal Resources) and Minaderpv (Agriculture), a review of the situation was conducted.

To anticipate and defuse these crises, the participants agreed to:

1. A series of preventative measures.
2. A sectoral roadmap.
3. The creation of a monitoring committee to ensure follow-up on decisions on the ground.

3. Focusing on the second half of 2026

The mission concluded with the statutory meeting of the CLCESP. Following a positive review of the actions undertaken in the first half of 2026, the short- and medium-term priorities were unveiled:

1. Training courses on standardized electronic invoicing (FNE) .
2. Raising awareness of the benefits of Approved Management Centres.
3. Creation of frameworks for direct exchange between the tax authorities and key seasonal sectors (mango, cashew).

“Since April 24, 2024, we have deployed this platform in Poro. We conduct these activities on a recurring basis to break down the barriers that hinder the regional economy,” recalled Yacouba Cissé, technical advisor representing the Executive Secretary of the CCESP, Mariam Fadiga Fofana.

A strategic economic hub supported by the AfDB

This initiative benefited from the support of the Business Climate Improvement Support Program (PACA-CI), co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Ivorian State.

As a reminder, the Korhogo Local Economic and Social Council (CLCESP) was established in 2024 in accordance with the 2017 National Public-Private Dialogue Strategy. Today, Korhogo stands as the fourth largest economic hub in Côte d'Ivoire (after Abidjan, San Pedro, and Bouaké). This dynamism is based on a growing industrial sector and strong agricultural sectors (cotton, processed foods, mangoes, cashew nuts), complemented by a long-established craft tradition.