Ivory Coast Navigates Political Uncertainty and Economic Transformation in 2025

Political Tensions Following October 2025 Elections

Ivory Coast, West Africa’s economic powerhouse, finds itself at a critical juncture following its October 2025 presidential election. President Alassane Ouattara was re-elected with 91% of the vote, securing his fourth term in office. However, the election was marred by controversy as ex-President Laurent Gbagbo was barred over a criminal conviction, and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam was disqualified for acquiring French citizenship.

The exclusion of major opposition candidates sparked widespread protests and raised concerns about democratic backsliding. Thousands of Ivorians took to the streets in Abidjan to protest against the exclusion of opposition leaders, with four main opposition figures barred from running by the electoral commission. The tensions echo the country’s troubled past, with Ivory Coast having a long history of election violence, with one episode a decade ago spiralling into armed conflict that resulted in thousands of deaths.

Economic Challenges in the Cocoa Sector

Beyond political instability, Ivory Coast faces economic headwinds in its crucial cocoa industry. The country is facing a temporary glut of cocoa at its ports as farmers rush to find buyers due to falling international prices and a cash crunch affecting local exporters. Ivory Coast is the world’s largest cocoa and cashew nut producer and West Africa’s second-largest economy, making developments in this sector particularly significant for the nation’s prosperity.

The situation reflects broader challenges facing farmers, who are concerned about declining revenues as international cocoa prices have fallen from previous highs, creating urgency to sell crops before prices drop further.

Ambitious Energy Transformation Plans

Looking ahead, Ivory Coast is pursuing an ambitious economic diversification strategy. The country aims to become one of Africa’s top oil and gas powers by 2035, driven by major offshore discoveries and a strategic shift from cocoa to hydrocarbons. This transformation could reshape the nation’s economic landscape, reducing dependence on agricultural commodities.

Significance for Regional Stability

The outcome of Ivory Coast’s political and economic developments carries weight far beyond its borders. As a regional economic hub with relative stability compared to coup-affected neighbours like Mali and Burkina Faso, the country’s ability to maintain peace whilst pursuing growth will influence West Africa’s broader trajectory. The coming years will test whether Ivory Coast can balance political inclusion with economic transformation, determining its role as either a model of stability or another cautionary tale of authoritarian drift in the region.