Changing the economy in a structural and environmentally friendly way

Context

Côte d'Ivoire has the highest economic growth of any country in West Africa. Gross domestic product has been between six and nine per cent since 2012. The private sector is therefore crucial to the country's development.

In its strategy for the United Nations 2030 Agenda, the Ivorian government is therefore calling for private companies to receive special support. The national development plan (Plan National de Développement, PND) 2021 to 2025 also aims to remove obstacles in order to accelerate the country's economic and social transformation.

The challenges include inclusive growth, in particular, as almost half of the population lives in poverty. This particularly affects women and young people as well as rural areas. Furthermore, the private sector lacks many skilled workers. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises(MSMEs) are hindered by cumbersome procedures, including those for business licences and business start-ups.

This is where multiple reform programmes come in. However, economic conditions are only improving slowly. This is largely due to the fact that the reforms are difficult to implement.

Objective

The necessary institutional and personnel conditions have improved in order to structurally reform the Ivorian economy and promote competitive and environmentally friendly companies.

Approach

The project develops skills in ministries and associated authorities to set up reforms and monitor their implementation. The project contributes explicitly to improving data collection, involving the private sector more closely in reforms and systematically utilising lessons learned.

The project also specifically promotes women-led MSMEs and supports their participation in public-private dialogue with the government. At the same time, it is building structures to promote green and social innovations that will change the structure of the Ivorian economy. To create an innovative ecosystem, brainstorming events such as workshops, ideas competitions and innovation labs are held.

Last update: November 2023