French President Emmanuel Macron hosted his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Ouattara, for a dinner meeting at the Élysée on November 3, 2026. The meeting focused on several diplomatic and economic issues of mutual interest, including the succession at the head of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and the Abidjan metro project. This meeting takes place in a sensitive context marked by negotiations between the two capitals and the preparation of a new visit by the French head of state to Côte d'Ivoire.
The succession at the OIF was one of the main topics of discussion during the meeting. The process of designating the next Secretary General of the organization is going through a delicate period, with the prospect of a possible vote between member states to settle the candidates. This outcome could accentuate divisions within the Francophone space and require additional diplomatic consultations.
The economic relations between the two countries, particularly around the Abidjan metro project, were also discussed. Announced in December 2019 by Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Côte d'Ivoire, this project is currently the subject of discussions between the Ivorian government and the French group Bouygues. Divergences have appeared with the new Minister of Economic Infrastructure and Road Maintenance, Yacouba Hien Sié, regarding certain project adjustments.
According to information reported by a source close to Ivorian diplomacy, discussions on the metro project would be close to a compromise. This file has significant economic and political stakes for both countries. For Abidjan, it is a matter of advancing a major urban transport modernization project while taking into account government requirements. For French companies involved in its implementation, the challenge is also to preserve their interests.
The presidential dinner also made it possible to address the preparations for Emmanuel Macron's next visit to Côte d'Ivoire. Initially expected earlier, this visit was postponed, with a new deadline envisaged for March 2027. Highly anticipated by the Ivorian authorities, it should be an opportunity for important announcements in the field of economic cooperation.
The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation between France and Côte d'Ivoire. Emmanuel Macron's trip to Abidjan is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, before the end of his term. Several key projects are expected to be discussed during this visit, including the Abidjan metro project and other economic cooperation initiatives.
The meeting between Macron and Ouattara highlights the importance of Franco-Ivorian relations and the need for close cooperation on key issues. The two leaders discussed several key issues, including the succession at the OIF, the Abidjan metro project, and preparations for Macron's upcoming visit to Côte d'Ivoire.
Key points
- Emmanuel Macron and Alassane Ouattara discussed the succession at the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and the Abidjan metro project during their meeting at the Élysée.
- The two leaders also discussed preparations for Macron's upcoming visit to Côte d'Ivoire, scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
- The meeting highlighted the importance of Franco-Ivorian relations and the need for close cooperation on key issues.
