President Alassane Ouattara is seeking a fourth term in Ivory Coast’s upcoming October 25 election, hoping to capitalize on the country’s robust economic growth and record infrastructure expansion during his tenure. The 83-year-old leader, who has been in power since 2011, is campaigning on a platform of stability and continuity, Reuters reported.
Ivory Coast has averaged around 7 percent annual GDP growth over the past decade, driven by investments in agriculture, energy, mining, and major infrastructure projects. The government has also pursued policies aimed at transforming the West African nation into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, according to AllAfrica.
However, Ouattara’s reelection bid has stirred controversy, with critics questioning the fairness of the race after key opposition figures such as Tidjane Thiam and former president Laurent Gbagbo were disqualified from running. Human rights observers have also reported restrictions on protests and limited political space for dissent, Reuters noted.
For investors, Ouattara’s continued leadership offers both opportunity and uncertainty. Analysts cited by Business Live South Africa say that while his reelection could ensure policy continuity and economic reform momentum, it may also heighten concerns about governance and long-term political stability in one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
