Côte d’Ivoire is on the verge of a monumental leap forward in modernizing its national infrastructure. Under the ambitious National Development Program (PND) 2026-2030, the Ivorian government has unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art High-Speed Train (TGV) network, poised to connect the country’s southern and northern regions. This flagship initiative is integral to a broader economic and territorial transformation strategy, aiming to solidify Côte d’Ivoire’s position as an indispensable economic hub in West Africa.
Côte d’Ivoire aims to join the select group of nations boasting a very high-speed rail network. The forthcoming Ivorian TGV will span a 640-kilometer corridor, connecting the bustling economic capital of Abidjan to Ferkessédougou in the north, with crucial stops planned in Yamoussoukro, Bouaké, and Korhogo.
Beyond its impressive technical scope, this infrastructure project is heralded as a powerful catalyst for territorial integration. It promises to seamlessly link the nation’s primary economic centers, drastically reducing travel times across the country.
According to Souleymane Diarrassouba, the Minister of Planning and Development, the journey between Abidjan and Yamoussoukro will be reduced to an astonishing 45 minutes. This significant advancement is expected to revolutionize daily life and work patterns, particularly by enabling professionals to reside in the political capital while pursuing their careers in the economic hub.
Metro, airports, roads: a nationwide infrastructure overhaul
The TGV project is merely one component of a comprehensive vision for modernizing Côte d’Ivoire’s transport infrastructure. The government has also confirmed that the 37-kilometer Abidjan Metro is slated for commissioning by 2029.
The aviation sector is also receiving significant attention. Plans are underway for two new international airports, strategically located in San-Pedro in the southwest and Bondoukou in the east. These additions are designed to bolster both national and regional connectivity, reinforcing Côte d’Ivoire’s role in West Africa.
The PND 2026-2030: a roadmap for structural transformation
Through its new National Development Program, the Ivorian state is committed to accelerating the nation’s economic transformation. The plan outlines several critical strategic priorities, including the vigorous development of regional economic poles, accelerated industrialization, and the enhanced valuation of local production.
This proactive approach underscores the authorities’ determination to strengthen the state’s central role in planning and guiding national development.
The overarching ambition is to elevate Côte d’Ivoire to upper-middle-income country status by 2030, while simultaneously consolidating its achievements in stability and social cohesion.
Over 114 trillion FCFA to be mobilized
To realize this ambitious vision, the government estimates a total funding requirement of 114,838.5 billion FCFA for the 2026-2030 period. The funding strategy is based on a shared investment model, with public sector contributions accounting for 30% and private sector investments making up the remaining 70%.
In anticipation of this, Abidjan will host a high-level consultative group meeting on July 8 and 9, 2026, aimed at mobilizing international financial partners.
Organized with the crucial support of the World Bank, the European Union, the African Development Bank, and the United Nations System, this gathering seeks to present the country’s development vision and attract the necessary funding for its successful implementation.
Setting sights on regional economic leadership
Through this expansive program, Côte d’Ivoire unequivocally declares its aspirations: to emerge as one of West Africa’s foremost logistical, industrial, and economic hubs.
From the high-speed TGV and the Abidjan Metro to new airport platforms and the modernization of its road network, Côte d’Ivoire is strategically equipping itself with the essential infrastructure to fuel its sustained growth and enhance its appeal on the regional stage.
