Canada-Côte d'Ivoire relations
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Bilateral relations
Bilateral relations between Canada and Côte d'Ivoire are close and cordial. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1962, shortly after Côte d'Ivoire's independence in 1960. The year 2022 marks 60 years of a fruitful and dynamic partnership. The two countries frequently collaborate in international and multilateral organizations and agencies such as the United Nations, La Francophonie and the African Development Bank.
The Embassy of Canada to Côte d'Ivoire in Abidjan represents Côte d’Ivoire since 1970. The Embassy of Côte d'Ivoire to Canada represents Côte d’Ivoire in Ottawa since 1972.
Students from Côte d’Ivoire in Canada
The Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program has provided scholarships to 155 citizens of Côte d'Ivoire since 1987.
Trade relations
Canada's trade relationship with Côte d'Ivoire has significant growth potential, particularly in the extractive sectors, infrastructure, agriculture, education, clean technology, renewable energy and organic agriculture to name a few. Canada is a major partner and a key player in the Ivorian economy with investments of more than $1 billion in 2021 and assets in the mining sector estimated at $670 million in 2020 ranking it first. Despite the health crisis, in 2021, Canadian exports to Côte d'Ivoire totaled $82.1 million, an increase of 25.2%, compared to 2020 while imports from this country reached $303.8 million, a decrease of 10.1% compared to 2020. Motor and air vehicles, machinery and grain were among Canada's top exports. Cocoa, plastics, fruits and nuts were among the main imports from Côte d'Ivoire. In a context of economic recovery, the recovery of Canada-Côte d'Ivoire merchandise trade is taking place gradually. In education, there was a sharp increase of 43% in the number of students who received study permits, or 1,715 in 2021 against 1,200 in 2019 (495 in 2011).
Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement continue to boost bilateral trade between Canada and Côte d'Ivoire, which entered into force in December 2015. The two countries also signed a tax treaty in 1983 with a view to avoid double taxation with regards to taxes on income and preventing tax evasion. An air transport agreement was signed in 1987 and revised in 2019, to facilitate codeshare agreements.
Côte d'Ivoire shows a desire to diversify trade. Moreover, the country has been identified as a priority market as part of the Canada-Africa Economic Strategy. On February 24, 2022, Minister Ng concluded a successful virtual trade mission to Côte d'Ivoire for women-owned and led businesses.
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Development
Canadian development cooperation in Côte d'Ivoire aims to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG #5 on gender equality. It focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in line with the Feminist International Assistance Policy and aims to improve the living conditions of the poorest and most vulnerable. To this end, it intervenes in three thematic areas of PAIF: Human Dignity, particularly in the fields of girls' education and sexual and reproductive health; by contributing to the improvement of the use of quality hygiene and health services, particularly in SRHR and in the prevention and management of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Growth at the service of all through the promotion of the economic empowerment of women and girls, particularly in rural areas by supporting rural entrepreneurship, food security and diversification of economic opportunities, and inclusive governance by supporting the equal rights and participation of women and vulnerable and marginalized people in democratic and decision-making processes and by strengthening inclusive governance systems and gender equality within national and local administrations and governments, civil society and communities.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has provided significant support to prevent the spread of the virus and address immediate needs for education and gender-based violence.
In 2020-2021, Canada's international assistance to Côte d'Ivoire totaled $40.01 million. Consult the Project Browser for more information on development programmes in Côte d'Ivoire.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Côte d'Ivoire work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- La Francophonie
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Open Government Partnership (OGP)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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