The first edition of “Sublime Côte d’Ivoire” Day was celebrated with fanfare as senior officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Washington, and leadership from the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, highlighted the West African nation’s growing prominence as a “destination of choice for global tourism” and a “land of investment opportunities.”
Director General of the Tourism and Hotel Industry, Dr. Klo Fagama, represented the Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Siandou Fofana, at a reception and panel discussion held on Nov. 14 at the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire.
“Tourism is one of the pillars of development, and the country’s strong political will paves the way for prosperity,” said Dr. Fagama, speaking to the theme of tourism and investment.
The panel included Director of External Services for Côte d’Ivoire Fatoumata Komah, Co-founder of ieLimited and International Experiences Paul Cohen and Founder of Klaman & Co. Home of Africa Johanne Gnagne. The discussion was moderated by senior journalist Eric Ham.
The event also featured remarks from several dignitaries, including Director of Tourism Mariam Ouattara, the Ivorian Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Mathieu Toure and publisher of The Washington Diplomat Victor Shiblie. The reception was a collaborative effort between the Embassy and The Washington Diplomat.
“When it comes to tourism in a country like this, I think we have the perfect audience. Average Americans may not travel around the world extensively, but our group is well-traveled,” said Shiblie.
The gathering also welcomed ambassadors from Tunisia, Kenya and Guinea, as well as several other diplomats, investors and tourism experts.
According to the visiting officials, the country is rapidly emerging as West Africa’s second-largest economy, driven by increased investments in roads, infrastructure, hospitality, tourism and agriculture. Improved market opportunities and enhanced security measures in the nation have also contributed to an enhanced quality of life for its growing middle class.
Côte d’Ivoire also successfully hosted and won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Nigeria. In preparation for the event, the nation invested hundreds of millions in tourism related projects. The country is positioning itself as a leader in sports tourism, but also other forms including seaside, religious, business, safari, ecological and cultural tourism.
Projections show that by 2025, Côte d’Ivoire is positioned to generate $4.7 billion in GDP from tourism, attracting an estimated 4.2 million visitors. The sector is expected to employ 650,000 Ivorians and position the nation as one of Africa’s top five tourist destinations. Plans also include opportunities to foster entrepreneurship through the training of 700 micro-entrepreneurs to stimulate growth in the tourism industry.
“Ivory Coast is a land of wonderful diversity. It boasts an unparalleled cultural mosaic, enchanting landscapes, golden beaches, natural parks and a history that resonates in the heart of West Africa,” Dr. Fagama noted.
He highlighted that for Côte d’Ivoire, tourism is more than just an economic pillar; it serves as a platform for cultural exchange and a driver of sustainable growth. Reflecting this vision, the government has introduced the ambitious program “Sublime Côte d’Ivoire,” aimed at establishing the country as a premier tourist destination.
Dr. Fagama went on to invite new partners from the US and encourage collaboration.
“Aware of the potential represented by the American market, our vision is to place Côte d’Ivoire among the destinations of choice for the largest tourism operators in the United States. We are convinced that tourism can become a lever for mutual prosperity while promoting a mutual understanding of our cultures and values,” he underscored.
Encouraging investors to explore opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Fagama emphasized that the nation is not only a vibrant tourism hub but also a promising investment destination. He assured prospective investors of the government’s commitment to facilitating their projects smoothly and fostering “a relationship of trust.”
Marking the celebration of “Sublime Côte d’Ivoire” Day, Ambassador Toure also expressed his enthusiasm in sharing the country’s “vision and exceptional opportunities,” with the US. He extended his gratitude to American travel agencies and tourism operators for their invaluable support in promoting the African nation’s tourism sector.
Speaking to the diversity of Côte d’Ivoire, Ambassador Toure conveyed, “Whether you are passionate about gastronomy, nature or culture, Côte d’Ivoire has something to offer for each of you… [it] seduces with its diversity and timeless charm.”
He went on to highlight the nation’s stability and growth.
“The Ivorian government has put in place incentive policies for foreign investors, with tax facilities and security guarantees to protect investments. It is important to note that the American Financial Information and Analysis Agency, S&P Global, has upgraded Côte d’Ivoire’s credit rating from ‘BB-‘ to ‘BB’ with a stable outlook.”
“The Ivorian government is fully mobilized to support investors, and the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire is at your disposal to provide you with all the information necessary to make your projects a reality,” he added.
In her address, Ouattara said, “Today, we meet with a specific goal: to open the doors of Côte d’Ivoire to new investments in the tourism sector, while facilitating the inclusion of our country in the catalogs of the largest American tour operators,” emphasizing that the meeting itself provided an opportunity to strengthen relations between both countries.
During the panel discussion, Komah spoke of the vital role played by the country’s 15 global tourism offices located in the United States, Canada, Morocco, the United Kingdom and more. She also acknowledged the contributions of the nation’s 13 regional and 30 departmental agencies in driving efforts to promote tourism and attract investment.
When asked about the influence of Ivorian culture in the United States, Gnagne shared that she founded her organization earlier this year in California with the mission of celebrating African heritage. California is a “very diverse and multicultural community,” where people are genuinely curious about African culture,” she said, explaining, “So far, we’ve focused on showcasing Ivorian traditions through various events.”
Cohen, an advisor specializing in investments in Africa’s hospitality and tourism sectors, added that while returns on African investments are robust, many American and international investors continue to be careful in assessing the investment policies of African nations before making decisions.
He pointed out that factors such as the ease of opening bank accounts, tax obligations, labor incentives, and infrastructure development play a critical role in shaping investor confidence. From an investment perspective, Cohen noted that strong policies and a reliable labor force are what investors are seeking.
Photos by Jessica Latos.
