The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the General Confederation of Ivorian Enterprises (CGECI) officially launched the Local Champions Acceleration initiative on January 29, 2026 in Abidjan. This pilot program aims to identify and propel local companies with high potential that have already demonstrated operational maturity, strong governance, and a strong market presence. The central objective is to transform these high-performing actors into true pillars of economic and social development, capable of sustainably stimulating job creation in Ivory Coast.
As part of this collaboration, the IFC will deploy a range of advisory services and technical expertise based on international best practices. This support is designed to prepare a pool of companies to become “investment-ready,” thus facilitating their access to financing from the IFC and other financial partners. As highlighted by Ahmed Cissé, president of the CGECI, the employers’ organization is committed to mobilizing these companies and ensuring their technical upgrading to maximize the impact of this agreement on the national economic fabric.
The initiative is not limited to one-off support, but is part of a strategy to conquer new markets. According to Nathalie Kouassi Akon, director of the Gulf of Guinea Division at the IFC, this tailored support will enable promising companies to reach a critical growth stage. Although launched in Ivory Coast as a pilot project, the Local Champions Acceleration initiative is intended to be replicated across Africa, illustrating a comprehensive strategy to strengthen value-creating enterprises on the continent.
This launch confirms Ivory Coast’s leading position in the IFC’s regional strategy. With an investment portfolio of USD 879 million as of January 29, 2026, the country represents the institution’s largest program within the UEMOA. These investments, covering key sectors such as energy, agro-industry, health, and MSME financing, demonstrate a long-term commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth driven by the Ivorian private sector.
