Strategic development pathways for Africa are shaped in high-level forums where policymakers, global financial institutions, and economic thinkers converge. The African Economic Conference 2026 served as a pivotal platform for these exchanges, taking place at the African Development Bank headquarters in Abidjan.
On the opening day, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, outlined the country’s forward-looking development agenda. He joined Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group, alongside representatives from the United Nations, UNDP, and OECD—all co-organizers of the event with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
This annual gathering brings together central bank governors, multilateral development bank economists, top researchers, and government leaders to analyze the continent’s most pressing economic transformations. Discussions centered on how shifting geopolitical dynamics and evolving financing models are reshaping Africa’s development landscape.
Côte d’Ivoire seized the opportunity to spotlight its achievements under the National Development Plan 2026-2030. The Minister highlighted the country’s track record in strategic planning, investment attraction, and economic restructuring as key pillars of sustained growth. As Governor of the African Development Bank for Côte d’Ivoire, he underscored the government’s commitment to proactive public policies, resilient reforms, and an enabling business environment.
Through active participation in this dialogue, Côte d’Ivoire reaffirmed its role as a proactive contributor to continental policy discussions. The country emphasized its expertise in policy coordination, public-private partnership mobilization, and long-term visioning—lessons that resonate across West Africa and beyond.