Adrien Haye, outgoing director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Côte d’Ivoire, was elevated to the Ivorian National Order in recognition of his four-year tenure in the country. The ceremony took place on July 31, 2026, at the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Budget, where Minister Adama Coulibaly presented him with the distinction.
The event was attended by Jean-Christophe Belliard, France’s ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, alongside AFD collaborators. On behalf of President Alassane Ouattara and Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, Minister Coulibaly commended Adrien Haye’s dedication to Ivorian development.
Key contributions to Côte d’Ivoire’s economic growth
During his leadership, Adrien Haye played a pivotal role in identifying and structuring financial opportunities across critical sectors of the Ivorian economy. Since his arrival in 2022, he actively supported the government in financing structuring, project formulation and implementation oversight.
His tenure was particularly notable for mobilising 934 million euros (approximately 623 billion FCFA) in sovereign loans and resources from the Debt Reduction and Development Contract (C2D). This funding significantly contributed to the country’s macro-budgetary stability.
Major financial agreements signed
Under Adrien Haye’s guidance, five new sovereign loan agreements, totalling nearly 500 million euros (around 330 billion FCFA), were finalised. Additionally, third-phase C2D allocations were aligned with the National Development Plan (PND) 2021–2025, reinforcing long-term development priorities.
These achievements cemented AFD’s position as Côte d’Ivoire’s leading bilateral partner, with Haye’s contributions proving instrumental in sustaining this partnership.
Gratitude and future commitment
Deeply moved by the honour, Adrien Haye—receiving his first state distinction—expressed heartfelt thanks to Ivorian authorities. Reflecting on his mandate, he reaffirmed his commitment to the country’s progress.
“I hope the expanded portfolio we’ve developed together, particularly with your team, Minister, reflects our shared success,” he stated. “I will continue to advocate for Côte d’Ivoire’s interests with the same determination.”
This decoration celebrates four years of fruitful AFD-Ivorian cooperation, characterised by substantial investments in the nation’s economic and social advancement.
