Ivory Coast’s ouattara urges unity to build a stronger nation

In a bold move to propel Ivory Coast into a new era of accelerated growth, President Alassane Ouattara has issued a rallying cry for national unity. The call, which frames the nation’s future as the « Great Ivory Coast », seeks to unite all segments of society behind a shared vision. This declaration arrives at a pivotal moment as the country looks to leverage a decade of robust economic expansion to achieve structural transformation.

Rallying all ivorian stakeholders for collective progress

The president’s appeal targets every layer of the Ivorian society. Government institutions, political parties, private enterprises, civil society, traditional leaders, and the diaspora are all encouraged to align with this unified agenda. The emphasis on cohesion signals a shift from top-down governance to a more inclusive approach, where national success hinges on broad-based participation rather than executive fiat alone. This comes at a time when political stability and policy continuity are critical concerns.

For Ouattara, this initiative builds on policies established since 2011, focusing on industrialization, rural development, and positioning Abidjan as a regional hub. The goal is to convert strong macroeconomic performance—averaging over 6% growth in recent years—into tangible social benefits for households. The « Great Ivory Coast » narrative encapsulates both economic resilience and inclusive progress.

A long-term economic and political blueprint

Economically, the vision of an expanded Ivory Coast revolves around key ongoing projects. The Port of Abidjan is undergoing expansion, while the Port of San Pedro is gaining traction in mining and agricultural supply chains. The highway network is pushing northward toward Burkina Faso and Mali, aiming to enhance West African trade corridors. The energy sector, previously a weak point following supply disruptions in 2024, is receiving substantial investments to bolster production and diversify energy sources.

Politically, the president’s outreach reflects a strategic imperative. By engaging diverse stakeholders, Ouattara aims to broaden support beyond his ruling party, the Rally of the Republicans (RHDP). This rhetorical shift underscores a long-term strategy: major infrastructure and economic transformation projects require broad consensus to withstand political transitions. The emphasis on nation-building over partisan loyalty reinforces this approach.

Grounded in historical continuity and inclusive governance

The president’s choice of language is deliberate. The phrase « Great Ivory Coast » evokes the legacy of founding leader Félix Houphouët-Boigny, whose mobilizing slogans anchored national ambition in a shared identity. This historical nod not only strengthens the narrative but also counters perceptions of power concentration. However, translating this vision into action will depend on how effectively institutions implement these ideals.

Observers highlight that success hinges on measurable improvements in governance, business environment, and regional equity. Northern and central regions, lagging in infrastructure compared to the coastal areas, remain priorities. Youth inclusion is another structural challenge, given that over 75% of the population is under 35. The president’s call will only gain real traction if it leads to concrete mechanisms for stakeholder involvement in decision-making.