Embassy of India

ABIDJAN - COTE D'IVOIRE

India-Cote d’Ivoire bilateral brief

Côte d'Ivoire, being the 9th biggest economy of Africa, stands as a key economic powerhouse in Francophone West Africa, renowned for its rich mineral resources and deep-rooted agricultural heritage. As the largest economy within the eight-member West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), it contributes an impressive 40% of the Union’s total GDP, underscoring its vital role in the region’s economic landscape. 

2. The current President Alassane Ouattara took office after the 2010-2011 conflicts triggered by disputed elections, and his presidency saw significant development. He won the 2015 election and initiated a constitutional committee whose draft was approved by the National Assembly and a referendum, enabling his third-term pursuit. However, opposition parties deemed it illegal, leading to their 2020 election boycott. Despite the controversy, President Ouattara won decisively, strengthening his political standing. The next Presidential elections are due this year.

3. The ruling party of President Ouattara, the Rassemblement des Houphouétistes pour la démocratie et la paix (RHDP), won 147 of the total 255 seats in the March 2021 elections for the National Assembly. In Senate elections held in September 2023, his party secured 56 out of 64 seats up for election. Similarly, in the Municipal elections held in September 2023, his party secured pole position by winning 123 out of 199 seats. The Next Presidential elections are scheduled in October 2025.

4. The diplomatic relationship between India and Côte d'Ivoire has long been characterised by cordiality and friendliness. India established its Embassy in Abidjan in 1979, and in September 2004, Côte d'Ivoire opened its Resident Mission in New Delhi.

5. India and Côte d'Ivoire share common values and collaborate on key global issues such as sustainable development, climate change, international terrorism, and disarmament. Since 2014, Côte d'Ivoire has designated India as its focal partner in ICT, agriculture, health, mining, and infrastructure, underscoring the importance of bilateral cooperation. In recent years, India's commitment to strengthening ties has been evident through high-level engagements. The Ivorian leadership has shown keen interest in deepening collaboration with India, particularly in agriculture, health, fisheries, SEZs, and information technology.

6. India and Côte d'Ivoire support each other in the United Nations and other international organisations, particularly during elections. Côte d'Ivoire has consistently backed India’s positions on key issues such as terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, and non-interference in internal affairs. In 2020, it also ratified the amended version of the International Solar Alliance.

7. The National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire established the Côte d'Ivoire-India Parliamentary Friendship Group in July 2022. Members of the Friendship Group come from various political parties, and the group is led by Mr. Pascal Affi N'Guessen, former prime minister and current president of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), an opposition political party.

8. Côte d'Ivoire has actively engaged with India through various high-level platforms, strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. In January 2023, the Ivorian Minister of Commerce, Industry, and SME Promotion participated in the Voice of Global South Summit – 2023 session on Developing Synergies in the South: Trade, Technology, Tourism, Resources, chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

9. Building on these engagements, in March 2024, an Ivorian delegation visited New Delhi for the 2nd Foreign Office Consultations. in August 2024, Mr. N'Guessan Koffi, Minister of Technical Education, Vocational Training, and Apprenticeship, took part in the Education Ministers’ Session of the Third Voice of Global South Summit. Around the same time, Côte d'Ivoire further deepened its collaboration with India in the digital sector, as the Minister of Digital Transition and Digitisation, Mr. Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, led a business delegation to the 19th CII India Africa Business Conclave held from 20-22 August 2024 in New Delhi. These interactions highlight the growing partnership between the two nations across trade, education, and digital transformation.

Trade and Commerce: 

10. Total bilateral trade figures data during the last five years are as follows:

(Data Source: MOC, GOI)

11. India imports cashew, natural rubber, cotton, teak wood, etc. and exports rice, vehicles/parts, medicines, jute bags, etc. Details of the top 5 import and export commodities are as below:

Top Imports from Côte d’Ivoire to India 2024-25 

1. Technically Specified Natural Rubber – $250.41 M (45.15%)

2. Cashew Nuts– $174.08 M (31.39%)

3. Cotton Raw – $ 53.78 M (9.69%)

4. Mineral Ores & Concentrates – $17.80 M (3.20%)

5. Teak – $16.37 M (2.95%)

Top Exports from India to Côte d’Ivoire 2024-25 

1. Rice – $522.04 M (52.75%)

2. Motor Vehicles / Cars – $59.74 M (6.03%)

3. Drug Formulations, Biologicals – $44.55 M (2.75%)

4. Dumpers Designed for Off-Highway Use – $15.80 m (1.59%)

5. Printed Books Etc – $14.81 M (1.49%)

12. As part of Mission's efforts to promote Indian businesses in Cote d’Ivoire, Mission collaborated with the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Cote d’Ivoire to organise the 2nd edition of the Indian Business Summit in Abidjan on 3rd May 2024. Nearly 200 business associates from Indian and Ivorian companies participated in the event, engaging in the exchange of innovative ideas aimed at fostering bilateral trade and economic ties.

13. From 17-19 September 2024, an 11-member CII delegation visited Abidjan to explore business and investment opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire. During the visit, the delegation met several Ivorian Ministers, including the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development & Food, the Minister of Trade and Commerce, the Minister of Mines, Petroleum & Energy, and the Minister of Water and Sanitation. The delegation also met several Government representatives, including the Director of Cabinet, the Ministry of Health, as well as representatives of the AfDB to explore further opportunities. During the visit delegation also had interaction with the local media.

14. During the visit of the CII delegation, the Mission hosted India-Cote d'Ivoire Business Conclave at Abidjan, attended by the Ivorian Ministers of Trade, Technical Education, and a representative from the Ministry of Digital Transition. Over 250 attendees from 100 Ivorian companies and local Indian businesses participated in the Conclave. Several B2B meetings were held between Indian and Ivorian companies for investment and business opportunities.

15. In recent years, an increasing number of Indian companies have established their presence in Côte d’Ivoire, strengthening bilateral economic ties. In the recent past, two large cashew processing factories have been inaugurated, reflecting India’s growing role in Côte d’Ivoire’s agro-processing sector. Additionally, the foundation stone for a new rubber processing plant was laid, further expanding Indian investments. Indian companies are also steadily expanding their footprint in key sectors such as agriculture, particularly in local rice production, as well as in mining, cement Iron bar manufacturing. These developments highlight the confidence of Indian businesses in Côte d’Ivoire’s stable business environment and strategic location in West Africa. The growing presence of Indian companies is contributing significantly to job creation, skill development, and value addition in the Ivorian economy.

Capacity Building and Human Resource Development:

16. Every year, India provides more than 100 training slots to Côte d’Ivoire under the ITEC Programme. Additionally, the ICCR offers 10 scholarships annually to Ivorians for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in India. As part of the outreach programme, at the request of the Ivorian Minister of Technical Education, the Embassy also organises a specially tailored English language course for around 30 Ivorian teachers each year under the ITEC Programme. Over the past six years, more than 500 individuals have benefited from various training programmes of the Government of India.

17. Apart from this, several Ivorian students have also undergone training courses under the IAFS mechanism. Under the PAN African e-Network Project of IAFS many Ivorian students have pursued higher studies through distant learning faculties at the University of Cocody. A tele-medical consultation facility with prominent hospitals in India has been established at Yopougon Hospital in Abidjan. GOI has offered the service of the upgraded programme of Pan African e-Network Project known as e-VidhyaBharati & e-Aarogya Bharati (e-VBAB). India is also an important learning centre for Ivorian students, particularly for ICT studies, besides Commerce and Management degrees. 

Culture: 

18. Indian television serials and movies, dubbed in French, have been immensely popular in Côte d’Ivoire since the 1950s. At present, Indian films are screened fortnightly in a rented cinema hall in Abidjan, primarily attended by the Indian diaspora. Yoga is also gaining increasing popularity among Ivorians. With the support of ICCR, the Mission has appointed a Yoga teacher who is conducting regular daily Yoga classes at the Embassy premises. These sessions have become quite popular among both the local and Indian communities. Additionally, Yoga classes are held at various locations across Abidjan for the benefit of Ivorians and the Indian community, including at the ECEME Ivorian School, where the Mission has also introduced beginner-level Hindi classes. 

19. As part of enhancing Mission cultural outreach, the Mission celebrated India Week from 3-5 May 2024, organising a series of events to strengthen cultural diplomacy and promote trade and tourism. The events included a Business Summit, a chess tournament, and Tamil Nadu Cultural Day, among others.

20. Another India Week event was organized in November 2024, featuring the visit of an 8-member dance troupe, ‘Melody Foundation,’ from India from 1518 November 2024. During the week, the group showcased the richness of Indian culture through vibrant performances at the Diwali celebrations and a cultural evening held at the Embassy premises. A dance and music workshop was also conducted during their visit, which was warmly received and appreciated by participants. The cultural troupe’s visit was widely covered by the local media, further enhancing the visibility of Indian culture in Côte d’Ivoire. In addition, Mission also organized Kidspro event, an initiative aimed at helping Indian children learn about India and its culture. 

Indian Community:

21. There are around 4000 Indian nationals residing in Côte d’Ivoire. Most of them are engaged in trading and general merchandise business, while a few of them are involved in mining and manufacturing. There are also many Indians working with the African Development Bank. ISKCON, Geeta Ashram, and Art of Living have their setup in Abidjan. The Indian community also patronises a temple in Abidjan. There are a few Indian restaurants in Abidjan. Community members regularly organise get-togethers to celebrate all major Indian festivals.

***

(Last updated: July 2025)