Canada and Côte d’Ivoire deepen economic cooperation

Canada and Côte d’Ivoire’s joint statement gives clearer shape to an economic partnership centred on trade, investment and sectoral cooperation. Bilateral trade reached a record Can$1.2 billion in 2025, while the two governments identified mining, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, digital technology, transportation and the green economy as priority areas. Their commitment to align cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire’s 2026–2030 National Development Plan creates a basis for assessing whether future Canadian engagement responds to Ivorian priorities.

FinDev Canada’s €40 million loan to NSIA Banque provides an early implementation example. As FinDev Canada’s first direct investment in Côte d’Ivoire, the loan uses a local financial institution to channel capital to businesses and climate-related projects. Half of the financing is intended for SMEs, 30% for women-owned or women-led SMEs, and the balance for climate finance. The combined signal is that Canadian commercial diplomacy and development finance are beginning to operate through the same country relationship. The practical test will be whether this produces stronger local financing channels, joint ventures, technology transfer and projects that build Ivorian value chains and jobs.

Sources: FinDev Canada | Global Affairs Canada