On the occasion of Europe Day, celebrated on May 9 and marking 65 years of cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Ivory Coast, EU Ambassador Irchad Razaaly reaffirmed European support for the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030.
This support is first and foremost part of a 1 billion euro investment program led by Team Europe as part of the Global Gateway strategy. According to European authorities, this program aims to support the private sector, infrastructure, training, and certain agricultural value chains.
The transport component of the PND is also set to benefit from investments in the strategic corridors of Abidjan-Lagos and Abidjan-Ouagadougou. The projects mentioned include urban mobility in Bouaké, the dry port of Ferkessédougou, and the modernization of the railway link to Burkina Faso. On the Abidjan-Lagos axis, the announced interventions focus on both infrastructure and facilitating cross-border trade.
Energy and agricultural sectors among the priorities
In the energy sector, the EU and its Member States indicate mobilizing 1.57 billion euros for the low-carbon transition. These funds include the Boundiali and Sérébou solar power plants, the Dorsale Est power line, and the WasunAa hydro-solar project. The stated goal is to improve the reliability of electricity supply and strengthen the competitiveness of the Ivorian energy system.
Strategic agricultural value chains are also among the areas of intervention. According to announcements from the European delegation, over 650 million euros are mobilized for sustainable cocoa, linked to combating deforestation, improving traceability, and supporting producers’ incomes. In addition, 250 million euros are announced for the cashew sector, with a focus on local processing and the creation of industrial jobs.
In total, the amounts mentioned represent nearly 3.5 billion euros in commitments and announced financing in favor of Ivory Coast, mainly in transport, energy, and agriculture.
