December 04, 2025
Côte d’Ivoire has recently taken a significant step in enhancing its international economic relations by joining the Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program. This development reflects the country’s strategic commitment to fostering stronger ties with both Arab and African nations as well as bolstering its participation in various regional integration frameworks.
The momentous signing ceremony occurred in Abuja on December 4, 2025, under the auspices of the Federal Government of Nigeria during the 5th AATB Board of Governors Meeting. Here, the pivotal Membership Agreement was inked, marking a new chapter for Côte d’Ivoire’s economic landscape.
The agreement was executed by Eng. Nasser Al-Thekair, General Manager of Trade & Business Development at the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), and Mr. Clement Kouakou, Deputy Director of the Ministerial Cabinet, Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development of Côte d’Ivoire. Their handshake symbolizes a robust partnership geared towards enriching trade relations between member countries.
As an integral part of this membership, both Côte d’Ivoire and the AATB will collaboratively develop a comprehensive Côte d’Ivoire Country Program. This initiative aims to create a structured framework focused on promoting trade and investment, enhancing export competitiveness, upgrading industrial frameworks, and fortifying logistics capacities. Importantly, it will also address quality infrastructure and digital trade readiness, critical components in a globally connected economy.
Practical interventions are set to play a strategic role in this program. They will encompass feasibility studies for establishing quality control laboratories, bolstering e-commerce platforms for export products, and initiatives aimed at enhancing skills within the logistics sector. Moreover, B2B matchmaking efforts are planned, especially in high-priority value chains like construction and agri-food, sectors pivotal to Côte d’Ivoire’s economic aspirations.
Côte d’Ivoire’s accession to the AATB represents a significant milestone in the organization’s growing engagement with African nations. As more countries strive to boost trade-led development, enhance value chain integrations, and facilitate regional connectivity, Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself as a proactive player in the evolving landscape of international trade.
