Côte d’Ivoire has unveiled a bold economic roadmap centered on homegrown private enterprises, slated to lead the nation’s growth over the next decade. These so-called ‘national champions’ are expected to transition the economy from one reliant on public investments to one powered by local private sector dynamism.

Four high-potential sectors in the spotlight

The government has identified key players in natural cosmetics, digital banking, fuel distribution, and aviation. Kaera, a trailblazer in natural cosmetics, already employs 600 people and exports to 30 countries. Meanwhile, Djamo, a digital banking fintech launched in 2020, has amassed 2 million users, showcasing the rapid rise of financial technology in the region. Petro Ivoire, a major fuel distributor, is also among the selected firms, aiming to boost local value creation.

This initiative aligns with the National Development Plan 2026-2030, which projects an average annual growth rate of 7.2% by 2030. The plan prioritizes the development of local value chains and sustainable job creation in high-potential industries.

Over $80 billion pledged by international partners

In July, Côte d’Ivoire secured commitments exceeding $80 billion from global partners to fund the 2026-2030 plan. These funds will support infrastructure upgrades, private sector support, and strategic industry development.

The PEPITE-CI 2030 program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance, is already providing technical, financial, and strategic support to high-potential businesses. The first cohort, announced in December 2025, included 27 winning enterprises poised to accelerate their expansion.

Côte d’Ivoire’s economic backdrop

For 15 years, Côte d’Ivoire has maintained strong growth, fueled by public investments in infrastructure and agriculture. As the world’s top cocoa producer, the country serves as a key economic hub in West Africa. The 2026-2030 plan marks a strategic shift toward private-sector leadership, especially amid intensifying regional competition with Ghana and Senegal.

This strategy mirrors broader regional trends, as other nations like Senegal push their own ‘emerging champions’ initiatives to diversify economies. Côte d’Ivoire is leveraging its demographic vitality and strategic location to attract more foreign investment.

Building a competitive regional economy

The government aims to cultivate a robust ecosystem of businesses capable of competing at both regional and global levels. The goal is to reduce reliance on raw material exports and foster high-value local industries.

While details on the rollout timeline for new PEPITE-CI cohorts remain undisclosed, the success of this strategy hinges on the selected enterprises’ ability to sustain growth and generate large-scale employment in the coming years.