Message from the Chief Representative

My name is Wakabayashi, and I have recently been assigned to Côte d'Ivoire.

Despite the nation's economic progress, known as the "Ivorian Miracle", under the leadership of President Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d'Ivoire has had a tumultuous history, marked by political turmoil and civil war in the early 2000s that resulted in significant community divisions and societal strife. I am not alone in sensing a lingering shadow over this vibrant country, known for its love of song and dance.

To address these issues, JICA has been supporting Côte d'Ivoire in its efforts to achieve a stable and secure society, through initiatives to reunify divided communities and providing assistance to the police and administration to stabilize the society. Historically and geopolitically, Côte d'Ivoire has always held immense potential, and despite recent economic setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation is once again on the cusp of a resurgence. I noticed that there have been palpable signs of improvement in security and societal stability compared with 2017, the year of my last visit to the country.

However, it must be acknowledged that underlying this progress is the risk that the rapid economic development may exacerbate existing social divisions and economic disparities. Côte d'Ivoire, as a key economic player in West Africa and a driver of regional growth, faces numerous social challenges. We are committed to supporting the nation's development and that of Japan by collaborating with international organizations and Japanese companies to address these issues in an innovative and forward-thinking manner, incorporating considerations such as digital transformation and climate change mitigation.

Furthermore, Côte d'Ivoire and the surrounding region possess great potential as a financial hub, with the African Development Bank and the West African Development Bank both headquartered there. In partnership with various institutions, we are dedicated to supporting the growth and development of not only Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, but also the wider West African region.

We kindly request your support for JICA's efforts in Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, and eagerly anticipate your attention.

WAKABAYASHI Motoharu
Chief Representative
JICA Côte d'Ivoire Office