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The Embassy of Côte d'Ivoire in Washington, in collaboration with the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB), the Center for Cyber Diplomacy and Leadership (CCDL), and the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) present:

INVEST IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE:
Land of Opportunities

Date: April 18, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET
Venue: The Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20004

Côte d'Ivoire stands as a beacon of economic leadership in West Africa, celebrated for its business-friendly environment, consistent economic growth, and recognized political stability. "     INVEST IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE" aims to bolster the country's global presence, particularly among American businesses, academia, and multilateral organizations.

Throughout the day, event chairs will illuminate the robust initiatives and projects within key sectors, including mining, renewable and traditional energies, the digital economy, sustainable environment, and modern infrastructure. By showcasing these strategic sectors, the forum seeks to ignite interest among American investors, fostering partnerships with local organizations and paving the way for collaborative ventures.

Join us to explore the vast opportunities that Côte d'Ivoire offers and be part of its promising future.

8:00-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast and Registration

Kickstart your day with a delightful breakfast and a chance to network with influential peers across the investment landscape

9:00-9:05 a.m. – Welcome Remarks:

H.E. Ibrahima Touré, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to the United States

9:05-9:30 a.m. – Opening Keynote Session

Prof. Vanessa G. Perry, Interim Dean, Vice Dean for Strategy, and Professor of Marketing, Strategic Management and Public Policy, GW School of Business

Peter Tichansky, President and CEO, Business Council for International Understanding

Hon. Niale KABA, Minister of Economy, Planning, and Development, Côte d’Ivoire

9:30-10:15 a.m. Session 1: “Côte d'Ivoire’s Ambitious Economic Strategy”

Dive deep into Côte d'Ivoire’s strategic priorities and long-term economic objectives. This session will uncover valuable investment prospects aligned with the country's ambitious development plan, offering insights into sectors ripe for growth.

Chair: Hon. Niale KABA, Minister of Economy, Planning, and Development, Côte d’Ivoire

10:15-10:30 a.m. – Coffee break

10:30-11:15 a.m. – Session 2: “Unlock New Growth Corridors”

Explore an in-depth analysis of Côte d'Ivoire's fiscal policies and the financial instruments at play. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fiscal landscape and unearth lucrative financial opportunities.

Chair: Hon. Adama COULIBALY, Minister of Finance and Budget, Côte d’Ivoire

11:15 -12:00 p.m. – Session 3: “Uncover Groundbreaking Mines, Petroleum, and Energy”

Uncover strategic mining projects across Côte d'Ivoire's rich resource sectors including gold, bauxite, and manganese. Discover the nation's focus on energy transition and the burgeoning development of renewable energies and petroleum.

Chair: Hon. Mamadou SANGAFOWA-COULIBALY, Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Côte d’Ivoire

12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch Keynote Session

Learn how global economic insights drive local investment opportunities and engage with transformative ideas fueling growth in Côte d'Ivoire.

Chair: Prof. Danny Leipziger, Managing Director, Growth Dialogue, The George Washington University School of Business

1:00-2:45 p.m. – Session 4: “Tech Innovations Create New Horizons in Development and Growth”

Step into the cutting-edge world of Côte d'Ivoire’s digital transformation. This session will delve into technological innovations propelling development and examine how digital advancements are creating new investment frontiers.

Chair: Hon. Ibrahim Kalil KONATE, Minister of Digital Transition and Digitization, Côte d’Ivoire

2:45-3:45 p.m. – Coffee Break

3:45-4:30 p.m. – Session 5: “Innovative Models of Infrastructure Financing Through Public-Private Partnerships”

This session will cover the future of Côte d’Ivoire’s infrastructural landscape. It will address how strategic development in transport, housing, and industrial areas can drive economic growth and advance sustainable development goals. Participants will gain insights into the government’s priorities and the role of strategic infrastructure projects in fostering a conducive investment climate.  The session will also delve into the innovative models of infrastructure financing through public-private partnerships.

Chair: Hon. Jacques ASSAHORE KONAN, Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, Côte d’Ivoire

4:30-5:00 p.m. – Closing Session: Summary Remarks and Closing Statements

Chair: Ambassador Omar Arouna, Chairman, CCDL and President for Global Public Affairs and Engagement, Gunster Strategies Worldwide

5:00-6:30 p.m. – Reception

This informal setting provides a fantastic opportunity for building connections, sharing ideas, and fostering relationships between investors, government officials, and other stakeholders.