Commemorating the 62nd Anniversary of Côte d'Ivoire

Ambassador of Côte d'Ivoire Sakaria Koné and Mariam Koné pictured with Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu

12 August 2022

Bringing the people of Côte d'Ivoire and South Africa closer, in less than eight hours, is the introduction of direct flights by Air Côte d'Ivoire between Joburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Abidjan's Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport. Trade between the two countries is on an ascending trajectory, said Ambassador Sakaria Koné of Côte d'Ivoire to South Africa at the celebration of the 62nd Anniversary of Independence of Côte d'Ivoire.

The country has enjoyed economic stability, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%, said Koné. This is enabled by the country’s stand as, amongst others, the world’s largest cocoa producer, the world’s largest producer of cashew nuts, the world's largest producer of kola nuts, Africa's largest producer of latex and the 2nd most competitive industry in West Africa.

Maggie Sotyu, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment of South Africa spoke of the growing relations between the two countries as this year officially marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them. She spoke of the reciprocal visits by the Heads of State. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa embarked on a state visit to Abidjan in December 2021 which saw the signing of nine Cooperation Agreements in various sectors including agriculture, mining and energy, ICT, defence and youth development. This cooperation was further strengthened by the recent State visit on 22 July 2022 by President Alassane Ouattara of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to Pretoria, Tshwane. Further agreements were signed bringing the total to seventeen and Ambassador Koné said that he calls on the private sectors of Côte d'Ivoire and South Africa to seize the opportunity offered by the various Agreements signed in order to increase the volume of trade, which remains below the economic potential offered by Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa.

Trade between South Africa and Côte d'Ivoire is growing and over the past two years, the value of South African exports to Côte d'Ivoire has increased from USD 89 375 000 to USD 111 560 000 in 2021, an increase of 24.82%, said Koné. “Similarly, the value of South African imports from Côte d'Ivoire has increased over the past three years from USD 10 135 000 in 2019 to USD 31 142 000 in 2021, an increase of 207.27%.”

Addressing the diaspora who were present in numbers in their colourful regalia, Koné assured them that the Embassy is open to them. “Various programmes have been put in place, notably the one piloted by the Ministry in charge of Youth, for the financing of youth projects. The President of the Republic has insisted, since his tenure of office, on the return of the Diaspora to Côte d'Ivoire. Evidence of this are the positions occupied by our compatriots from the Diaspora within our administration. I am a perfect example and illustration,” said Koné. “Côte d'Ivoire needs you.”

Staff at the Embassy received commendations and accolades for long service to the Mission.

The festive celebration included Ivorian music and dance. Guests enjoyed Ivorian food including Attiéké made of kassava, kedjenou a soup of chicken, soumara lafri rice with traditional spices, placali made of cassava and alloco made of fried plantain.

TDS