At the initiative of the Ivory Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-CI), a delegation of French business operators, led by the Club des Bâtisseurs de Bordeaux, met with Ivorian entrepreneurs in Abidjan. The objective of this meeting was clear: to stimulate cross-investment and build lasting business partnerships.

This fact-finding mission took place on the sidelines of the General Assembly of the International Association of Francophone Regions (AIRF), organized in the Ivorian economic capital from June 15 to 17.

Cutting-edge skills to meet Ivorian challenges

Representing the president of the CCI-CI, Adou Kouabenan Julien (Director of Administration and Human Resources) noted that Côte d'Ivoire is now establishing itself as a "crossroads of growth, industrialization, and innovation in West Africa." To support this momentum, the country must address several strategic challenges:

1. Modernizing the agricultural sector;
2. Accelerating the energy transition;
3. Optimizing water resource management;
4. The success of digital transformation.

To achieve this, the Ivorian economy is seeking to surround itself with qualified experts. This is the whole point of the visit of the Club des Bâtisseurs from Bordeaux, which traveled with a panel of innovative SMEs and mid-sized companies.

“The expertise gathered before you covers all of our priority needs. This is a unique opportunity to forge commercial partnerships and promote the transfer of technologies and skills,” Mr. Adou emphasized during the presentation sessions and B2B meetings.

New Aquitaine is banking on Ivorian dynamism

On the French side, this initiative reflects a strong commitment to decentralized cooperation. Thomas Vigué, speaking on behalf of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and a member of the Club des Bâtisseurs (Builders' Club), praised Côte d'Ivoire's economic vitality. According to him, this mission primarily aims to encourage entrepreneurs from his region to explore the Ivorian market in order to realize mutual business opportunities.

About the Bordeaux Builders Club: This network brings together decision-makers and entrepreneurs committed to strengthening economic ties between Europe and Africa. Its mission is to support structuring projects and high-impact local initiatives.