The future of African economic growth is being shaped in high-level forums where policymakers, global financial institutions, and economic experts converge. These platforms serve as crucibles for innovation, where bold strategies are debated and sustainable development pathways are forged.
The Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, took center stage on Saturday, July 11, 2026, delivering a keynote address at the African Economic Conference 2026. Standing alongside the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, and representatives from the United Nations, UNDP, and OECD—all co-organizers with the UN Economic Commission for Africa—the Ivorian official presented a compelling vision for continental progress.
This annual gathering, hosted at the AfDB headquarters in Abidjan, brings together top-tier decision-makers from multilateral banks, central banks, research institutions, and government agencies. Their mission? To confront the continent’s most pressing economic challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in an era of shifting global dynamics.
With geopolitical realignments and evolving development financing models dominating the landscape, Côte d’Ivoire stood out by showcasing its proven track record in strategic planning, investment attraction, and economic transformation. The centerpiece of this presentation was the National Development Plan 2026-2030, a blueprint designed to propel the country toward inclusive prosperity while serving as a model for regional peers.
As the Governor of the African Development Bank for Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Diarrassouba championed a development paradigm rooted in forward-thinking public policies, resilient structural reforms, and an enabling environment for private sector growth. His intervention underscored Abidjan’s commitment to shaping Africa’s economic agenda through collaborative policymaking and robust public-private partnerships.
The conference also highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership in harmonizing national strategies with continental priorities. By sharing its expertise in policy coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement, the Ivorian delegation reaffirmed its role as a proactive contributor to Africa’s collective development narrative.
