AfDB and Côte d’Ivoire Review $2.9B Portfolio to Boost Transformative Development

The meeting served as a comprehensive platform to assess the performance of AfDB-financed operations, identify bottlenecks, and explore new avenues for deeper collaboration.

In a landmark High-Level Portfolio Review held last Thursday in Abidjan, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire reaffirmed their joint commitment to accelerating transformative development across the country. The meeting served as a comprehensive platform to assess the performance of AfDB-financed operations, identify bottlenecks, and explore new avenues for deeper collaboration.

The high-profile gathering brought together senior government officials and AfDB leadership. Key Ivorian representatives included Nialé Kaba, Minister of Economy, Planning, and Development – who also serves as the African Development Bank Governor for Côte d’Ivoire – alongside the Minister of Equipment and Road Maintenance and the Minister of Hydraulics, Sanitation and Sanitary Infrastructure.

Representing the AfDB were Lamin Barrow, Director General for the West Africa Region; Joseph Ribeiro, Deputy Director General; Blanche Kiniffo, Country Program Officer; and technical experts from various departments of the Bank.

A Rapidly Growing Portfolio: From 370B to 1,911B FCFA in a Decade

As of February 2025, the Bank’s active portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire consists of 38 operations with total commitments amounting to 1,883 billion FCFA—approximately $2.976 billion USD. This reflects an extraordinary growth trajectory, up nearly 500% from 370 billion FCFA in 2015.

Lamin Barrow commended this progress, stating, “Our objective is to accompany Côte d’Ivoire on projects that are both structuring and transformative, such as the Abidjan Urban Transport Project, which is changing the face of the city, and the Agro-Industrial Hubs, which are vital for food security and inclusive economic growth.”

Performance Milestones: Fewer Flagged Projects

One of the most significant outcomes highlighted during the review was the marked improvement in project performance. The number of “flagged” or underperforming projects dropped from 38% in September 2024 to just 20% by December 2024, outperforming the Bank’s institutional target of 25%.

This progress reflects improved implementation practices and enhanced collaboration between the Bank and the Ivorian authorities. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding delays in project start-ups, sluggish disbursement processes, issues with land acquisition and indemnification, procurement documentation delays, and the timely submission of financial audits.

Transformational Projects Aligned with National Priorities

The review emphasized several flagship projects that align with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND 2021–2025):

• Abidjan Urban Transport Project (PTUA): Aims to overhaul urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion in the capital.

• Agro-Industrial Hubs: Designed to improve agricultural productivity, enhance value chains, and foster rural employment.

• Diversification, Industrial Acceleration, Competitiveness, and Employment Project (DAICE): Supports economic diversification and job creation.

• Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Youth Employment Improvement Project (PACE): Recently approved to address youth unemployment and support workforce readiness.

These initiatives are expected to not only accelerate economic growth but also foster regional integration and social inclusion.

Addressing Persistent Bottlenecks

To mitigate existing challenges, the Bank and government agreed on a set of concrete actions:

• Immediate designation of project teams to expedite implementation.

• Streamlining of procurement procedures to reduce delays.

• Consolidation of financial audits, especially for those due by June 30, 2025, to reduce administrative burden and avoid disbursement suspensions.

Barrow stressed the urgency of financial discipline, saying, “We must remain vigilant in submitting financial audits on time to avoid disbursement interruptions. I commend our teams for proposing practical solutions such as audit consolidation.”

Call for Broader Sectoral Support

While expressing gratitude for the Bank’s ongoing efforts, Minister Nialé Kaba called for expanded engagement in strategic sectors where challenges remain acute. “We exhort the Bank to extend its action to other critical areas such as healthcare, access to potable water and sanitation, and affordable housing,” she urged.

The Ivorian government’s request underscores the need to diversify development financing to encompass broader social infrastructure, particularly as the country seeks to meet its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Vision 2030.

A Shared Vision for Inclusive Growth

The review concluded on a note of mutual optimism and strengthened partnership. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to delivering high-impact projects that uplift communities, improve living standards, and solidify Côte d’Ivoire’s position as a regional economic powerhouse.

Lamin Barrow summarized the Bank’s resolve: “We are proud of the strides made in Côte d’Ivoire and remain dedicated to delivering impactful results for its people.”

Minister Kaba echoed this vision: “I hope our exchanges today lead to concrete and lasting solutions, optimizing project performance and significantly improving the living conditions of our populations.”

As Côte d’Ivoire continues its journey toward middle-income status and economic transformation, the deepening collaboration between the African Development Bank and the Ivorian government promises to deliver inclusive and sustainable development for years to come.