August 6, 2026 – Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – Global Affairs Canada

As part of her first visit to Côte d’Ivoire, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, was received in audience by Her Excellency Ms. Nialé Kaba, Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Côte d’Ivoire, on August 6, 2026.

At the meeting, the ministers discussed the two countries’ bilateral and multilateral cooperation and explored means and ways of strengthening it.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Côte d’Ivoire and Canada’s robust relationship, which is based on dynamic political, economic and social cooperation. This goal has been furthered through the signing of a memorandum of understanding on establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism, which serves as a privileged framework for regular dialogue on issues of common interest and reflects the two countries’ determination to ensure a modern, balanced and mutually beneficial partnership.

The ministers also highlighted Côte d’Ivoire and Canada’s growing economic relations. They noted that Canadian investment in Côte d’Ivoire continues to increase, as well as bilateral trade, which reached a record high of Can$1.2 billion in 2025. This momentum demonstrates the confidence of Canadian companies in Côte d’Ivoire’s economic potential, as well as the two countries’ mutually beneficial partnership, which contributes to infrastructure development, the strengthening of productive capacities and access to the West African regional market.

Her Excellency Ms. Nialé Kaba welcomed the announcement made by her Canadian counterpart regarding FinDev Canada’s granting of Can$65 million—equivalent to 27 billion CFA francs—to NSIA Banque [NSIA bank] to enhance access to financial services for Ivorian small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those owned or managed by women.

The ministers committed to further encouraging partnerships between the Canadian and Ivorian private sectors. Recognizing Canada’s expertise in mining and agriculture, as well as Côte d’Ivoire’s abundance of natural resources, the ministers agreed to strengthen the two countries’ ties in these sectors, including in technological advancement. They also agreed to deepen their collaboration in infrastructure, energy, digital technology, transportation and the green economy.

Recognizing that the two countries’ economies offer mutually beneficial opportunities, the ministers expressed their commitment to promoting responsible investment, joint ventures, technology transfer, the development of local value chains and the creation of sustainable jobs. They reaffirmed their goal of aligning the two countries’ economic cooperation with the priorities of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan 2026 to 2030 and Canada’s Africa Strategy to together identify mutually beneficial and significant projects that will lead to lasting benefits for the people of both countries.

In addition, the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law, promoting La Francophonie and supporting the central role of the United Nations and international organizations in promoting peace, sustainable development and international cooperation. They committed to working together in multilateral forums on key issues of common interest.

The two ministers also emphasized the importance the two countries place on peace, security and stability—conditions that are essential to sustainable development worldwide. In this regard, they commended Côte d’Ivoire and Canada’s joint contribution to stability in West Africa, particularly through the International Academy for Counter-Terrorism and the two countries’ participation in international peacekeeping initiatives.

The ministers also committed to furthering the two countries’ cooperation in counterterrorism, combatting transnational organized crime, cybersecurity, maritime security, intelligence, border management and institutional capacity building.

Her Excellency Ms. Nialé Kaba and the Honourable Anita Anand expressed their appreciation for their discussions and committed to maintaining regular dialogue to continue implementing joint actions to elevate the Ivorian-Canadian partnership to a strategic level.

Before leaving Côte d’Ivoire, the Honourable Anita Anand, on behalf of the delegation accompanying her and on her own behalf, expressed her deep gratitude to the Ivorian government for the warm welcome they received, as well as for the hospitality shown to them.