The Vice President of the Republic of Ivory Coast, Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, arrived in Dakar on Friday, July 24, 2026 for a working visit. He was welcomed at Léopold-Sédar-Senghor airport by the Senegalese Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô.
This 24-hour working visit comes in the context of strengthening economic relations between the two main economies of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). Beyond its diplomatic significance, this trip illustrates the willingness of both countries to enhance their economic partnership and their role in regional integration.
According to data from the National Agency of Statistics and Demography (ANSD), Senegal exported 11.2 billion CFA francs (approximately $19.7 million) worth of goods to Ivory Coast in April 2026, compared to 4 billion CFA francs (nearly $7 million) of imports, resulting in a trade surplus of 7.2 billion CFA francs (approximately $12.6 million).
For the first four months of 2026, Senegalese exports reached 50.4 billion CFA francs (around $88.5 million), up by 17.4% compared to the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, imports from Ivory Coast amounted to 28.1 billion CFA francs (about $49.3 million), representing a 63.8% increase year-on-year.
The structure of trade reflects the complementarity of the two economies. Senegalese exports are dominated by food products, beverages, and tobacco, totaling 8.2 billion CFA francs (14.4 million dollars) in April, ahead of semi-finished products and energy products. Ivorian imports to Senegal also remain focused on food products and semi-finished goods.
While the official program of the visit has not been disclosed, this trip is expected to deepen discussions on strengthening investments, facilitating trade, developing regional infrastructure, and promoting the free movement of goods and people.
In a context where West Africa seeks to strengthen its economic resilience in the face of global uncertainties, the closer ties between Dakar and Abidjan appear as a strategic lever to accelerate regional integration, boost private investments, and consolidate value chains within the community space.
