Côte d’Ivoire Positions Extractive and Energy Sectors as New Engines of Economic Growth
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – Monday, March 23, 2026, marked a pivotal moment for the Ivorian economy with the official launch of the second edition of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE). The event signals Côte d’Ivoire’s ambition to establish itself as a key destination for international investment in the extractive and energy sectors, building upon its existing agricultural strengths.
Rising Attractiveness for Investment
Côte d’Ivoire has demonstrated significant progress in attracting investment, particularly in the gold sector. According to the Fraser Institute, the country currently ranks first in West Africa and fifth on the continent for mining attractiveness, highlighting its improved business climate and structural reforms . This positive positioning is a result of a clear political will to maximize the value of its natural resources.
Hydrocarbon Momentum and the Baleine Field
The hydrocarbons sector is also experiencing substantial growth. Between 2025 and 2026, Côte d’Ivoire emerged as one of the six leading global hubs for investment in extractive production, attracting over USD 500 million in capital . This progress is largely attributed to the discovery of the “Baleine” oil field in September 2021, a landmark achievement for the nation’s oil industry.
Following the Baleine field discovery, 19 production sharing contracts have been signed, with an additional 13 agreements currently under negotiation. This development is expected to stimulate job creation, skills transfer, and broader industrial development within the country .
SIREXE 2026: A Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation
Scheduled for November 18-22, 2026, at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre, SIREXE 2026 will serve as a strategic platform for dialogue and cooperation within the extractive and energy sectors. The event will focus on the infrastructure needed to support the growth of these sectors at both national and African levels .
Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, emphasized that SIREXE has become the only bilingual international event capable of uniting public decision-makers, investors, industrial players, and researchers around a common vision. The overarching goal is to transition from a resource extraction model to a fully industrialized sector.
Botswana and Côte d’Ivoire Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Reinforcing regional collaboration, Botswana will attend SIREXE 2026 as a country of honor. Discussions between Botswana and Côte d’Ivoire have centered on strengthening bilateral relations and fostering cooperation in mining, agriculture, and energy . Botswana, with its expertise in diamond mining, and Côte d’Ivoire, a major cocoa producer, aim to diversify their economies by leveraging each other’s strengths and experiences . Both nations are considering a Memorandum of Understanding to solidify this cooperation.
Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
While Côte d’Ivoire’s natural resources present significant opportunities, the key challenge lies in transforming this potential into sustainable, inclusive growth that benefits local populations. Effective management of these resources will be crucial for ensuring long-term development.
With this strategic direction, Côte d’Ivoire is committed to economic diversification, positioning the extractive and energy sectors as major drivers of structural transformation.
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