what is happening at Ivory Coast……

As of May 22, 2025, Ivory Coast is experiencing significant developments across political, economic, environmental, and sports sectors. Here’s an overview:

Political Landscape

• Presidential Election Preparations: The country is gearing up for the presidential election scheduled for October 25, 2025. A coalition of opposition parties, known as the Coalition for a Peaceful Alternation (CAP-CI), has been formed to advocate for electoral reforms, including the revision of electoral lists and the publication of results by polling station. However, the coalition faces challenges, notably the absence of former President Laurent Gbagbo’s faction, which could lead to vote fragmentation among opposition groups.
• Controversy Over Candidate Disqualification: Tidjane Thiam, a former Credit Suisse CEO and newly elected leader of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), has been disqualified from the presidential race due to allegations concerning his past French citizenship. This decision has sparked criticism from international academics, who argue that it undermines democratic principles and could destabilize the nation.

Economic Developments

• Economic Growth: Ivory Coast continues to experience robust economic growth, with annual GDP growth averaging 7% from 2012 to 2023. In 2024, GDP per capita reached $2,900, the highest in West Africa after Cape Verde. The growth is driven by diversification beyond cocoa, with services and industry now accounting for over 75% of GDP.
• Infrastructure Investments: Africa Global Logistics, the operator of Ivory Coast’s main port in Abidjan, plans to invest over €60 million over the next five years to enhance inland logistics infrastructure. This initiative aims to strengthen the country’s role as a regional transport hub for landlocked countries like Burkina Faso and Mali.

Environmental Concerns

• Cocoa Production Challenges: Farmers in Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa producer, are expressing concerns over below-average rainfall during the critical mid-crop season. Regions like Soubre have received significantly less rainfall than the five-year average, threatening the development of young cocoa pods and potentially leading to reduced yields .

Sports Highlights

• Tennis: The inaugural Côte d’Ivoire Open, part of the ATP Challenger Tour, was held in Abidjan from April 14 to 20, 2025. Maximus Jones won the singles title, while Matt Hulme and Thijmen Loof claimed the doubles championship .
• Judo: The 2025 African Judo Championships took place in Abidjan from April 25 to 27, 2025. Egypt retained its African Mixed Team Championship title during the competition .
• Upcoming Events: Ivory Coast is set to host the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan from July 25 to August 3, 2025. The top four teams will qualify for one of the qualifying tournaments for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup .

Weather Update

The country is currently experiencing its main rainy season, which typically spans from April to mid-November. However, recent data shows significant shortfalls in rainfall, particularly in key cocoa-producing regions. Farmers are urging for more consistent rainfall in May and June to support the development of young cocoa pods.

Good day!