The 3rd Japan-Côte d’Ivoire Conference on Quality Infrastructure opened on Friday, January 10, 2025, in Abidjan-Plateau, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Centered on the theme of quality infrastructure as a driver of economic development, the conference brought together high-level government officials, international experts, and private sector representatives.
In his opening speech, Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé made a strong appeal to technical and financial partners, particularly those from Japan, as well as national and international private sectors, to increase their investments in infrastructure projects in Côte d’Ivoire.
A Conducive Environment for Investment
The Prime Minister emphasized that Côte d’Ivoire offers a healthy and attractive business environment, characterized by a stable security situation and a government that is always ready to address challenges facing private sector development. “We aspire to go even further, particularly in the field of infrastructure. Foreign investors and the local private sector find in our country a favorable framework for their activities,” he stated.
He also highlighted the essential pillars for ensuring quality infrastructure: a clear vision for development, rigorous prospective studies, relevant development plans, and strict quality controls during construction. The consideration of climate challenges and natural disasters was also underscored as a crucial element for sustainable infrastructure.
Japan, a Partner of Choice
The Japanese Minister of State for Territorial Administration, Transport, Infrastructure, and Tourism, Furukawa Yasushi, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in its infrastructure projects. “Japanese companies possess the technology, capabilities, and experience necessary to address the various challenges Côte d’Ivoire faces,” he declared.
He recalled that Japan itself underwent economic transformation through infrastructure development and expressed confidence that his country could make a significant contribution to Côte d’Ivoire’s economic prosperity. “Infrastructure is a foundation for economic prosperity. It maximizes the impact of growth through technology transfer, know-how, and the development of local industries,” he added.
Momentum Strengthened by the Japan-Africa Forum
This conference follows the success of the Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum, held on December 16-17, 2024, in Abidjan. That event had already strengthened ties between Japanese and African economic actors and laid the groundwork for concrete collaborations in various sectors, including infrastructure.
The presence of several Ivorian ministers, including Amédé Koffi Kouakou, Minister of Equipment and Road Maintenance, as well as Miyamoto Yoichi, President of the Japan-Africa Infrastructure Development Association (JAIDA), underscores the strategic importance of this conference for both countries.
Toward a Future of Collaboration and Prosperity
The 3rd Japan-Côte d’Ivoire Conference on Quality Infrastructure is part of a win-win partnership dynamic, aimed at accelerating Côte d’Ivoire’s economic and social development while offering attractive investment opportunities for international partners.
With strong commitments from both sides and a shared vision for quality infrastructure, this conference paves the way for new achievements that will benefit not only Côte d’Ivoire but also the entire West African region.
Côte d’Ivoire, with the support of partners like Japan, continues to position itself as an economic and infrastructure hub in West Africa. The calls made during this conference reflect a shared commitment to building a sustainable and prosperous future, grounded in quality infrastructure and strong partnerships.
