Côte d’Ivoire targets carbon-neutral economy by 2035

Côte d’Ivoire charts path to sustainable growth on World Environment Day

Abidjan – On June 5, 2026, Côte d’Ivoire marked World Environment Day with a bold declaration: the nation is accelerating its transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. The announcement, made during a government-wide address led by Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition Abou Bamba, underscores the country’s commitment to combating climate change while fostering inclusive economic growth.

Climate challenges drive urgent reforms

The government highlighted the mounting environmental threats facing Côte d’Ivoire, including erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, soil degradation, coastal erosion and repeated flooding. These pressures have intensified calls for sweeping reforms to bolster the nation’s resilience.

« Côte d’Ivoire is taking decisive action to build an economy that thrives in harmony with nature, » the statement read, emphasizing alignment with international climate commitments, particularly the Paris Agreement.

Legislative and institutional strides

The Ministry outlined key measures to support this transition, including:

• A newly adopted Environmental Code to strengthen legal frameworks;
• A dedicated Climate Change Act to guide national mitigation strategies;
• The establishment of a National Climate Change Commission to coordinate efforts;
• Enhanced environmental and social impact assessments for development projects.

The country is also advancing its third-generation Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), targeting a 33.07% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, with a long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

Regional leadership in green finance

Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself as a leader in climate finance by hosting the regional headquarters of the Green Climate Fund in Abidjan. This move reinforces the country’s role as a hub for sustainable investment in Africa.

Air quality takes center stage

This year’s World Environment Day theme, « Air – Action for Climate, » prompted the government to deploy a network of air quality sensors across urban centers. The Ivorian Anti-Pollution Center (CIAPOL) continues to enforce strict monitoring of industrial emissions, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

However, Minister Bamba stressed that government efforts alone cannot solve environmental challenges. He urged communities, local governments, businesses and civil society to adopt sustainable practices, reduce waste and curb pollution at the source.

A call for collective action

The national campaign, « Let’s be the solution, not the pollution! » serves as a rallying cry for citizens to protect natural resources and improve public health. The government sees the green transition as an opportunity to create green jobs, enhance food security and expand sectors like renewable energy, sustainable transport and eco-friendly construction.

To empower the public, authorities have launched a toll-free hotline (1372) for reporting environmental violations, reinforcing the message that environmental stewardship is foundational to national progress.