The Ivory Coast positions itself as an essential power in the UEMOA economy. Alassane Ouattara’s country is recognized for its agricultural diversity and its massive exports which consolidate its role as an economic leader. The Ivorian economy is distinguished by an exceptional production of cacaoof which it is the world’s leading producer.
The Ivorian Economy: A Non-Optimized Growth Dynamic
In fact, the Ivory Coast generates a substantial share of the global supply, which has significant repercussions on international markets. Its position as undisputed leader in cocoa also caused incomprehension when the price of the material rose on the international market, but Ivorian farmers were kept at a very low remuneration threshold, revalued to 1500 FCFA/Kg when Cameroonian planters were collecting 5000 FCFA/Kg.
Furthermore, Côte d’Ivoire also ranks first in the world in terms of production of kola nuts and raw cashew nuts. This leading position extends to other agricultural sectors, such as latex and bananas, of which it is the main African producer. Unlike China or Asian countries that process everything without producing much, Côte d’Ivoire produces everything, but processes nothing, which the Chinese economist and industrialist regretted Thierry Tan.
As the second largest cotton producer in Africa, Ivory Coast plays a leading role in the region’s textile industry. In addition, it is the third largest African producer of palm oil and coffee, which confirms its economic diversity that could have made it the Qatar of Africa, if industrialization had accompanied the performance of its farmers.
The country enjoys strong trade relations with many international partners, which still strengthens its economic position despite the lack of industrial vision. The Ivorian economy is the second most competitive economy in West Africa, after Nigeria. This economic dynamism is explained by a series of structural reforms and relative political stability that have favored foreign investment and economic growth.
Economic diversification in Ivory Coast: a model of success?
The economic outlook for the Ivory Coast are promising. The government continues to implement policies aimed at diversifying the economy and strengthening infrastructure. These efforts are important to maintain the pace of growth and improve the living conditions of the population, which to date does not benefit enough from all this wealth.
Côte d’Ivoire remains a model of success in West Africa, thanks to its diversified economy and its exceptional performance in several key sectors driven by its farmers. The country is well placed to continue to play a central role in the regional and global economy, provided that it begins a real policy of industrialization.
Rankings dominated by Ivory Coast
| Ranking | Designation |
| 1ʳᵉ | Economy of UEMOA |
| 1ᵉʳ | World cocoa producing country |
| 1ᵉʳ | World’s largest producer of cola nuts |
| 1ᵉʳ | World’s leading producer of raw cashew nuts |
| 2ᵉ | Competitive West African Economy |
| 2ᵉ | African cotton producer |
| 3ᵉ | African palm oil producer |
| 3ᵉ | World Coffee Producer |
