Ivory Coast is aiming for stronger economic growth over the next five years, fueled by rising oil and gas production, Planning and Development Minister Kaba Nialé has said.

The country plans to increase crude output to at least 200,000 barrels per day by 2027–2028, a significant rise from the 44,000 barrels per day recorded in 2024. As the world’s largest cocoa producer, Ivory Coast is positioning itself as a regional energy hub, attracting major investors like Eni, Vaalco Energy, and Petrobras.

Patrick Achi, minister of state and adviser to President Alassane Ouattara, said the government is taking a proactive approach, working closely with private companies to drive long-term growth.

Under its five-year national development plan, Ivory Coast aims to lift its average growth rate to 7.2% by 2030, up from 6.5% between 2021 and 2025, and achieve upper-middle-income status.

Looking further ahead, the energy ministry forecasts that by 2035, Ivory Coast could become one of Africa’s top five oil producers, with crude output reaching 500,000 barrels per day and natural gas production at 1 million cubic feet per day.