Abidjan hosted a key day for bilateral cooperation on Thursday, June 4. Luis Padilla, Director General of Relations with Africa for the Government of the Canary Islands, presented the projects selected for Côte d'Ivoire under the first call for proposals for the Regional Integration Programme (Interreg) Mac 2021-2027 .

This meeting marks a historic turning point: it is the very first time that such an event has taken place in Ivory Coast, the country having recently joined this network alongside Ghana, Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe.

16 billion FCFA for sectors of the future

In total, 10 projects were awarded to Ivory Coast out of the 34 validated by the program in June 2024. This represents a total budget of more than 25 million euros (approximately 16 billion FCFA).

These initiatives are structured around three main strategic pillars: Smart Mac, Green Mac, and Mobile Mac , and will target key areas:

1. SME competitiveness and the digital economy
2. Sustainable agriculture, food security and the circular economy
3. Marine technologies and adaptation to climate change
4. Mobility management

A dynamic in strong growth: As a sign of the enthusiasm generated by this partnership, Luis Padilla revealed that the third call for projects — for which demand exceeded available funds by 510% — will see Ivory Coast integrate 7 new projects thanks to the mobilization of 35 local entities.

A perfect synergy with the 2026-2030 National Development Plan

Representing the Ivorian Prime Minister, Hervé Aka N'Zai (coordinator of the Ivory Coast-European Union Partnership Unit) recalled that this cooperation is perfectly aligned with the ambitions of the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030 initiated by President Alassane Ouattara.

The 2030 National Development Plan (PND 2030) anticipates a colossal investment of 114 trillion CFA francs (approximately 175 billion euros), 70% of which is financed by the private sector. According to Mr. N'Zai, the priorities of Interreg MAC (innovation, green and blue economy, climate resilience) directly reflect Côte d'Ivoire's objectives of ecological transition and competitiveness.

Strong support from Spain and the European Union

International diplomacy widely welcomed this rapprochement during the event:

1. Guillermo Marín (Spanish Ambassador to Ivory Coast): Reaffirmed the highly strategic interest of Spain and the Canary Islands in the region, emphasizing the shared desire to build a stable, democratic, peaceful and prosperous area.
2. Martina Borovac (Deputy Head of the EU Delegation): Recalled that strong regional integration and good neighbourly relations are the indispensable pillars of sustainable economic development and political stability.