The international community has once again recognized Ivorian excellence. On Monday, April 27, 2026, at the heart of the French National Assembly, Nialé Kaba , Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, received the award for Best African Minister of the Year. This prestigious distinction was awarded during the 9th PEACE International Growth Conference .

A leadership praised by the international community

This prize, awarded by an independent commission after a rigorous selection process, not only recognizes an individual career, but also validates the strategic vision of President Alassane Ouattara . Under Nialé Kaba's leadership, Côte d'Ivoire has established itself as a model of governance and performance on the continent.

"This trophy crowns a career dedicated to promoting Ivory Coast's influence and African integration."

A journey marked by historic successes

The jury highlighted the major structural reforms implemented by the laureate throughout her career:

1. Economy and Finance (2012): The first woman to hold this position, she maintained record growth of 9% .
2. Planning Expertise: As the architect of the NDPs, she led the reassessment of GDP, revealing that national wealth was underestimated by 38.2% .
3. Continental influence: At the helm of the AfDB , she orchestrated a historic capital increase of 125% .
4. Offensive diplomacy: Since January 2025, it has increased the financial commitments of the Arab Coordination Group to Ivory Coast fivefold.

A plea for intra-African trade

In her opening speech, the minister emphasized the crucial importance of the Continental Free Trade Area . Given that intra-African trade represented only 16% of total trade in 2023, she called for an "offensive economic diplomacy" to support local businesses in the continental market.

Other figures of commitment honored

The ceremony also highlighted other African and international talents:

1. Educational innovation: Gladisse Maninga, Rosine Tiemtore and Isaac Tavi.
2. Women's entrepreneurship: Béatrice Delfin-Diaz.
3. Energy transition: Stella Malou.
4. Sustainable agriculture: Marie-Noelle Koyara.

This Parisian triumph comes at a pivotal moment, as Ivory Coast prepares to launch its 2026-2030 National Development Plan , consolidating Nialé Kaba's position as a pillar of the country's economic emergence.