Côte d'Ivoire recently presented its investment opportunities in the industrial sector to Chinese investors at the World Manufacturing Convention (WMC) 2026, held in Hefei, Anhui province, China. The event took place from September 20 to 23, 2026. According to the Centre de promotion des investissements en Côte d'Ivoire (CEPICI), the country's industrial ambitions were showcased to economic actors. Côte d'Ivoire aims to accelerate its economic transformation through industrialization.
Solange Amichia, Director-General of CEPICI, highlighted Côte d'Ivoire's advantages and opportunities under the country's National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030. The plan seeks to boost industry's contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 30%. This will be achieved through various industrial projects and infrastructure development. Amichia presented Côte d'Ivoire's opportunities to Chinese and foreign economic actors.
Côte d'Ivoire's participation in the WMC 2026 facilitated discussions with Anhui province authorities and central Chinese government representatives. The talks focused on supporting Côte d'Ivoire's industrialization process. Encouraging major Chinese industrial groups to invest in Côte d'Ivoire was a key topic. The establishment of a Sino-Ivoirian Chamber of Commerce and development of technological innovation and training were also discussed.
On the sidelines of the convention, the Ivoirian delegation visited factories and participated in B2B meetings organized by the Huizhou International Economic and Trade Cooperation Alliance (HIETCA). These meetings involved Chinese enterprises active in various sectors. These included hydraulics, sanitation, infrastructure, electric vehicle and tricycle assembly, mining, textiles, agro-industry, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
The Ivoirian delegation presented the country's PND 2026-2030 projects, seven industrial clusters, and sanitation and industrial park projects managed by the Société de gestion et de développement des infrastructures industrielles (SOGEDI). SOGEDI's projects include zones located between PK103 and PK120 along the Northern Highway. These projects were showcased to Chinese enterprises.
The World Manufacturing Convention 2026 provided a platform for Côte d'Ivoire to engage with potential investors. The country's industrial ambitions and investment opportunities were presented to a targeted audience. This engagement may lead to future investments in Côte d'Ivoire's industrial sector.
Côte d'Ivoire's efforts to attract foreign investment are part of its strategy to drive economic growth through industrialization. The country's participation in international events like the WMC 2026 demonstrates its commitment to promoting investment opportunities. This may contribute to the country's economic development.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire aims to increase industry's contribution to GDP to 30% under its National Development Plan 2026-2030.
