Yamoussoukro is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Once a quiet political capital, the city is now a magnet for real estate investment, with construction sites sprouting up across its landscape. The surge in property demand is reshaping neighborhoods and sparking both optimism and apprehension among residents.
The city’s appeal to investors is undeniable. From residential homes to commercial complexes, the demand for land is driving up property values. Francis Djaha, a local real estate agent with five years of experience, has witnessed this shift firsthand. Using his drone, he captures aerial views of the parcels he markets, showcasing the expanding urban footprint. “We see everything from homebuyers to industrial investors, as well as commercial developers and even agricultural buyers,” he explains. “Some clients are looking for ready-built homes, while others want plots for future projects.”
Several factors contribute to Yamoussoukro’s growing attractiveness. Availability of land remains a key driver, but the city’s infrastructure also plays a significant role. “The roads are wide, making travel effortless. The city is peaceful, and the infrastructure built by President Houphouët-Boigny sets it apart,” says Djaha. “From Yamoussoukro, you can reach any major destination in the country with ease.”
a double-edged development for local farmers
The city’s expansion is not without consequences. Nearby villages, once thriving on agricultural lands dedicated to cocoa, yam, and cassava, are now witnessing a gradual takeover of their fertile soil. This transformation brings mixed reactions.
Michel N’Goran, a village advisor in Séman Sanhourikro, a community just a few kilometers from Yamoussoukro, voices his concerns. “With land being divided into plots, farming becomes impossible,” he says. “In 30 or 50 years, the same fate that befell the Ebrié people in Abidjan could happen here. We risk losing our cultivable land entirely.”
The government’s five-year development plan includes a high-speed train line connecting Abidjan to Yamoussoukro in just 45 minutes. While this project promises to boost the city’s appeal, it also underscores the urgency of balancing urban growth with sustainable land use.
