The future of African economic strategies is taking shape in high-level forums where policymakers, international financial institutions, and economists converge to exchange ideas.
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, delivered a keynote address at the opening of the African Economic Conference 2026. He shared the platform with key figures, including the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, alongside representatives from the United Nations, UNDP, and OECD—all co-organizers of the event with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
The annual gathering, held at the African Development Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, brings together top officials from development institutions, chief economists from multilateral banks, central bank governors, research centers, and government leaders. Together, they examine the continent’s most pressing economic transformations and chart pathways for sustainable growth.
The conference unfolds against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics and evolving challenges in development financing. Côte d’Ivoire seized the opportunity to showcase its strategic planning expertise, investment mobilization strategies, and economic transformation initiatives—particularly through the 2026-2030 National Development Plan.
As a Governor of the African Development Bank for Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Diarrassouba underscored the government’s commitment to forward-thinking public policies, resilient reforms, and a business-friendly environment. The nation’s participation reaffirmed its dedication to shaping Africa’s development agenda, leveraging its reputation for effective policy coordination and strategic partnership-building.
