IMF and Côte d'Ivoire agree to preserve the country's reform momentum
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (PANA) - Côte d'Ivoire and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have agreed that preserving the country’s reform momentum will be essential to meet its goal of achieving upper middle-income status.
This is according to a statement issued in Abidjan by Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, at the end of his visit to Côte d'Ivoire.
He said the West African country has made “remarkable progress” in reducing macroeconomic imbalances. “Its performance under IMF‑supported programmes remains strong, reflecting the authorities’ firm commitment to their homegrown reform agenda and to safeguarding stability.”
Mr. Okamura said they welcomed the government’s intention to keep the fiscal deficit within the West African Economic and Monetary Union’s (WAEMU) ceiling, while allowing for higher investment spending.
He said ongoing efforts to raise tax revenues, including through implementation of the medium-term revenue strategy, will help in this regard and would broaden the tax base and reduce informality.
“Further progress in social inclusion will help ensure the future prosperity of the people of Côte d'Ivoire and promote broad-based economic growth. Continued improvements in governance and the business environment could further enhance the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination," Mr. Okamura said.
The statement said he reiterated the IMF's unwavering commitment to supporting Côte d'Ivoire.
-0- PANA MA 11Feb2026
