Ivory Coast has announced a wide-ranging national study to identify research and development (R&D) priorities across its industrial sectors, as the government accelerates its drive to boost competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The industrial sector currently contributes 22.7% of the country’s GDP.
The project, known as the Study of the Research & Development Needs of Industrial Sectors, is being launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with technical assistance from the German development agency GIZ.
It forms part of the ProREI programme, which supports economic reforms and investments with a strong emphasis on green, social, and digital innovation.
On Friday, 5 December 2025, ministry officials and GIZ partners gathered in Abidjan for a launch workshop bringing together policy leaders, private-sector representatives, and research institutions to outline the framework of the study.
Emmanuel Tra Bi, Director-General of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said the initiative “aims to identify the needs of industrial companies, particularly industrial SMEs, in terms of research and development.”
He stressed that “research and development are a decisive factor for the competitiveness of businesses and of an entire economy, especially in an increasingly dynamic and open international context.”
According to Tra Bi, the government intends to position innovation at the centre of its industrial strategy.
“We want to better support our companies so they can be better equipped and more competitive by relying on research and innovation,” he said.
A core component of the study involves engaging directly with companies facing productivity or quality challenges.
Tra Bi explained that the approach is to “reach out to companies that have weaknesses in competitiveness, productivity, or quality, in order to identify their needs and turn them into research projects in collaboration with research centres and universities.”
Inza Diabaté, Director of Technological Innovation and Industrial Cooperation, noted that previous assessments revealed a disconnect between the expectations of industrial firms and the working methods of universities.
The purpose of the study, he said, is to “work on these needs” by gathering company input and aligning it with academic research capacity.
He added that “together with laboratories and universities, we will develop research projects starting from the needs of industrial companies; hence this workshop.”
The consultancy SINDEV will lead the study, focusing initially on seven priority industrial clusters outlined in the National Development Plan: agro-industry, chemicals and plastics, construction materials, pharmaceuticals, textiles, packaging, and automotive parts.
The study is scheduled to last six months and will include a benchmarking analysis to guide Côte d’Ivoire’s long-term industrial development strategy.
Ultimately, the project aims to support inclusive and sustainable economic transformation by strengthening the business environment and attracting greater private investment.
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