Since regaining political stability in 2011, Côte d’Ivoire has consistently ranked among Africa’s most robust economies. The nation is now focused on ensuring its impressive growth is both more inclusive and environmentally sustainable. In line with this vision, Adama Coulibaly, the Minister of Economy, Finance, and Budget, formally presented a “national strategy for carbon emissions taxation” on May 28, 2026.

Rising Emissions, Declining Carbon Intensity 

Driven by sustained economic expansion, Côte d’Ivoire’s greenhouse gas emissions have more than doubled from 9 million to 18.8 million tons between 2011 and 2024. Minister Coulibaly highlighted that this increase is primarily attributable to the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, the expansion of its transportation sector, ongoing industrialization, and agricultural activities.

Over the identical period, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) saw even more rapid growth, surging from 35 billion to nearly 87 billion dollars. This accelerated economic expansion resulted in a decrease in the Ivorian economy’s carbon intensity, signaling the nation’s nascent progress toward an energy transition. Furthermore, per capita emissions remain notably low on a global scale, at 0.65 tons per year, a stark contrast to approximately 5 tons in France, 8 tons in China, and over 13 tons in the United States.

Why Abidjan Seeks Faster Decarbonization 

Despite its relatively low per capita emissions, the government is committed to Côte d’Ivoire contributing its share to the global climate effort. The repercussions of climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and an increase in environmental hazards, are already impacting numerous sectors, particularly agriculture, which sustains nearly half of the population.

Consequently, Côte d’Ivoire has set an ambitious target: to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by 2035 while simultaneously sustaining an annual economic growth rate exceeding 7%. In its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), published in 2025, the country outlined plans for a 33% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through its own resources, with the potential to reach up to 74% with international funding and support.

Carbon Tax Implementation Phases  

The newly proposed carbon tax will be a cornerstone of this decarbonization trajectory, implemented in three distinct phases. The initial stage, from 2026 to 2027, will involve the government establishing the necessary legal and technical framework. This will be followed by a rollout at a moderate rate between 2028 and 2029. The tax level will then see progressive increases up to 2035, culminating in a phase dedicated to evaluation and adjustment.

This forthcoming tax will primarily target the consumption of fossil fuels, with the notable exception of butane gas. By making these fuels more expensive, the policy aims to incentivize a reduction in their usage. Government estimates suggest that a rate of 50 euros per ton of CO₂ could lead to a decrease of 1.2 million tons in national emissions, representing 6% of the 2024 levels.

Officials acknowledge that this measure could potentially trigger short-term negative economic impacts. The ministry anticipates that the tax might lead to an increase in fuel prices and exert pressure on economic growth during its initial years of implementation.

Supporting Transition, Employment, and Vulnerable Populations 

The revenues generated from the carbon tax are intended to mitigate these potential negative effects, primarily by accelerating the decarbonization of energy uses. These funds will be strategically allocated to prioritize nationwide access to electricity. A portion of the proceeds will subsidize the purchase of electric or gas cookers, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional charcoal. Furthermore, the tax will bolster the growth of electric vehicles through targeted tax incentives, exemptions, and the establishment of robust charging infrastructure.

The government is also committed to limiting the reform’s impact on the most vulnerable households. A segment of these revenues will be directly distributed to low-income populations. These funds will additionally support the creation of green jobs and finance retraining programs for sectors potentially affected by the ecological transition. Thus, the carbon tax aligns perfectly with the overarching priority of the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030: to harmoniously balance economic growth, social justice, and environmental protection.