Côte d'Ivoire focuses on local content to boost its mining and oil sectors

Côte d'Ivoire is stepping up its efforts to promote local content in the strategic mining and hydrocarbons sectors, with the aim of integrating national companies and skills more fully into the country's economic development. This policy, supported by structuring reforms and innovative initiatives, aims to make local players the pillars of sustainable growth.

The Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, has announced that 2025 will mark a decisive turning point in the promotion of local content. In a recent statement, he unveiled the government's main priorities: the adoption of a clear sectoral policy, the completion of the reform of the mining code and the revision of the petroleum code. The aim of these measures is to increase the participation of Ivorians in the extractive industries, while optimising the management of natural resources. "Our objective is to build an economic model in which the riches of our subsoil benefit first and foremost national skills and companies", the Minister emphasised.

To support this dynamic, an online platform dedicated to local content has been launched. This digital tool forms a bridge between local businesses and multinationals operating in Côte d'Ivoire. By facilitating access to information and simplifying administrative procedures, this initiative highlights Côte d'Ivoire's expertise and encourages partnerships. This platform is seen as an essential lever for raising the profile of local players and boosting their competitiveness in sectors historically dominated by foreign operators.

A further step has been taken with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Société Africaine d'Investissement en Énergie (AEICORP) and the Groupement des Entreprises de Services Pétroliers et Gaziers de Côte d'Ivoire (GES-PETROGAZ-CI). This agreement, described as historic, aims to facilitate access to finance for local companies involved in the exploitation of mining and oil resources. By removing financial barriers, this collaboration strengthens the capacity of Ivorian players to play a leading role in these strategic industries.

The Ivorian government is making a point of encouraging the active participation of national companies. Of the 860 local companies registered in the mining and hydrocarbons sectors, 650 have already obtained approvals to operate in the hydrocarbons sector. These figures testify to a successful integration dynamic, driven by a strong political will to make the most of local know-how. Whether in exploration, production or related services, Ivorian companies are gradually establishing themselves as essential partners.

These initiatives reflect Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to transforming its natural resources into levers for inclusive development. By placing local content at the heart of its strategy, the country is seeking to reduce its dependence on foreign expertise while strengthening its economic fabric. The reforms underway, combined with modern tools such as the digital platform and innovative financial partnerships, are positioning Côte d'Ivoire as an emerging model in Africa for the management of its extractive industries.

While the mining and hydrocarbon sectors continue to play a key role in the national economy, this policy could not only stimulate job creation, but also ensure a fairer distribution of the wealth generated. An ambition that, if realised, could redefine the contours of Ivorian economic development for years to come.