Côte d'Ivoire has secured a €39 million financing package from the African Development Bank to improve governance, bolster domestic resource mobilisation, and modernise public financial management systems. The support targets structural weaknesses that continue to limit fiscal resilience and institutional efficiency.
The programme will focus on digital tax reforms, public-sector accountability, and stronger anti-corruption mechanisms, positioning the country to deepen economic stability and accelerate long-term development.
AfDB Approves €39m Package to Strengthen Côte d'Ivoire's Governance
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a €39 million grant to Côte d'Ivoire aimed at improving governance and domestic resource mobilisation amid rising fiscal pressures and growing demand for public services.
The funding, which forms part of a broader regional governance agenda, will support stronger public-finance management, enhanced tax administration, and improved transparency within government institutions.
What the Grant Covers and Why It Matters
According to the AfDB, the support package focuses on accelerating fiscal reforms, modernising tax systems, and improving public accountability. Côte d'Ivoire faces widening budgetary needs driven by infrastructure development, security pressures in northern regions, climate-related shocks, and high population growth.
The financing aims to help the government strengthen fiscal buffers and reduce its dependence on external borrowing.
Core Components of the €39m Package
| Component | Description | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Digitisation | Upgrade digital tax systems | Higher & more predictable revenue |
| Public-Finance Reform | Budget transparency, procurement improvements | Efficient resource allocation |
| Anti-Corruption Tools | Strengthen monitoring institutions | Reduced leakages & fraud |
| Resource Mobilisation | Expand domestic revenue base | Lower external financing reliance |
Evidence Driving the Policy Direction
The AfDB emphasised that despite Côte d'Ivoire's strong economic growth trajectory, the country still mobilises insufficient domestic revenue relative to GDP, limiting fiscal resilience. Weaknesses in procurement, tax compliance, and institutional coordination continue to create inefficiencies that affect debt sustainability.
The programme aligns with West Africa's broader governance and stability challenges, particularly as regional states face heightened security threats and climate impacts.
Governance Challenges Snapshot
| Issue | Impact on Côte d'Ivoire | Required Response |
|---|---|---|
| Low Revenue-to-GDP Ratio | Narrow fiscal space | Broaden tax base |
| Procurement Gaps | Overspending, delays | Reform procurement systems |
| Corruption Risks | Erodes trust, reduces efficiency | Strengthen watchdog bodies |
| Informal Sector Growth | Untapped revenue | Digital onboarding platforms |
What Authorities and Partners Must Now Implement
The AfDB called for coordinated implementation across the Ministry of Economy and Finance, national tax authorities, and anti-corruption agencies. The grant will support digital platforms, capacity-building, and policy modernisation, while encouraging public institutions to adopt open-data tools to enhance transparency.
The programme also encourages Côte d'Ivoire to intensify private-sector engagement and align fiscal reforms with regional ECOWAS governance standards.
PATH FORWARD – Reforming Systems to Strengthen Fiscal Stability
The AfDB's €39m support provides Côte d'Ivoire with a timely opportunity to modernise revenue systems, improve governance, and strengthen public-finance stability amid rising economic pressures.
Sustained reform implementation, particularly in tax digitisation, procurement transparency, and anti-corruption oversight, will determine whether the country can secure long-term resilience and reduce dependence on external financing.
