Abidjan, June 2026 – Côte d’Ivoire is stepping up efforts to transform its diaspora into a stronger source of investment for the national economy. The government announced that it will hold investment roadshows in Milan on June 6 and Paris on June 26–27, aimed at strengthening ties with Ivorians abroad and channeling more remittance flows into productive sectors.
Led by the Ministry for African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, headed by Adama Dosso, the initiative seeks to move beyond the diaspora’s traditional role as a source of household remittances and position it as a long-term investor. Authorities estimate that more than CFA600 billion could be mobilized annually from Ivorians living overseas.
To support this goal, the government has signed agreements with banks to improve financing access for diaspora-led projects and established a dedicated service within the Investment Promotion Center of Côte d’Ivoire (CEPICI) to guide entrepreneurs. Despite remittances rising from CFA99.5 billion in 2008 to CFA840 billion in 2024, most funds continue to support family expenses, with only 10–15% directed toward investment.
Officials see this as a major opportunity. With over one million skilled Ivorians abroad, the government hopes to harness both capital and expertise to drive economic growth. The strategy aligns with President Alassane Ouattara’s long-standing efforts to encourage diaspora engagement, including the creation of a dedicated department for Ivorians abroad and the organization of forums focused on investment.
At the Diaspora Forum held on May 7, 2026, authorities once again called on Ivorians overseas to invest in productive sectors and contribute their skills to national development. The upcoming roadshows in Milan and Paris mark the next step in building stronger economic ties between Côte d’Ivoire and its global diaspora community.
This initiative underscores the government’s vision of turning remittance flows into sustainable investment, positioning the diaspora as a strategic economic asset for the country’s future.
