On October 29, 2026, Côte d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara addressed the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Presidential Conferences in Geneva, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and diversified global economy. The conferences, themed "Partnerships for Trade and Development: Côte d'Ivoire's Experience," took place amidst rising geopolitical tensions, protectionism, and climate change concerns. President Ouattara praised WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's commitment to an open and rules-based multilateral trading system.
In his address, President Ouattara expressed strong support for the WTO's "re-globalization" concept, which seeks to rethink globalization and make it more inclusive by diversifying value chains. This approach presents an opportunity for developing countries to move beyond traditional primary product exports and engage in high-value-added innovation, industrial transformation, and commercialization. Côte d'Ivoire's experience serves as a prime example of successful structural transformation, with an average economic growth rate of 7% between 2012 and 2025.
Côte d'Ivoire's remarkable economic growth outpaced the averages of sub-Saharan Africa (3.3%) and the global economy (3.2%) between 2012 and 2025. This growth is attributed to improvements in the business climate, a solid macroeconomic framework, enhanced governance, and sustainable debt management. The country is accelerating local transformation, aiming to move beyond its traditional role as a primary product exporter and reduce dependence on international price volatility.
President Ouattara highlighted significant progress in Côte d'Ivoire's industrial performance, particularly in the cocoa and cashew sectors. The country's cocoa transformation rate reached 41% during the 2024-2025 campaign, enabling the export of semi-finished products. The goal is to transition to finished products and chocolate production. Similarly, cashew transformation increased to 43% in 2025, with a target of at least 80% local transformation by 2030.
To support these projections and provide large markets for industrialists, President Ouattara emphasized the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He sees the AfCFTA as a crucial lever for integrating regional value chains and mitigating private investments. By leveraging the AfCFTA, Côte d'Ivoire aims to strengthen its position in the global economy and promote more inclusive trade practices.
The WTO conferences provided a platform for President Ouattara to share Côte d'Ivoire's experience and insights on trade and development. His address underscored the need for a more collaborative and inclusive approach to global trade, one that prioritizes the needs and opportunities of developing countries. By championing "re-globalization," President Ouattara is contributing to the ongoing debate on the future of global trade and economic development.
The African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to play a critical role in Côte d'Ivoire's economic development and regional integration. By creating a single, large market for African countries, the AfCFTA aims to increase economic cooperation, reduce trade barriers, and promote economic growth. President Ouattara's endorsement of the AfCFTA reflects Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to regional integration and its potential to drive economic transformation.
Key points
- President Ouattara advocates for "re-globalization" at WTO conference
- Côte d'Ivoire targets 80% local transformation of cocoa and cashew by 2030
- AfCFTA seen as crucial lever for integrating regional value chains and mitigating private investments
