While agriculture, driven by cocoa, remains a pillar of exports, the engine of Ivorian wealth is diversifying. The boom in extractive and energy activities is altering the structure of the GDP. The development of the "Baleine" and "Calao" oil and gas fields promises to transform the country into a regional energy hub. This diversification is a determining factor for Moody's, as it reduces the country's vulnerability to climate shocks and fluctuations in agricultural commodity prices, while attracting flows of foreign direct investment (FDI).

The management of public finances shows notable progress. The budget deficit is trending toward the WAEMU convergence threshold of 3%, supported by rising tax pressure, estimated at 15% of GDP in 2025. The mobilization of internal resources allows for the financing of infrastructure under the 2026-2030 National Development Plan while initiating deleveraging, with a target of 56% of GDP by 2027. On the markets, Abidjan demonstrates agility: following a 15-year Eurobond issuance in February 2026 and the inauguration of a "Samurai bond," the country is varying its financing sources and strengthening its credibility.

Despite the positive indicators, areas of vigilance remain. The agency points to security challenges in the Sahel and the need to improve social indicators, particularly youth employment, to guarantee lasting stability. However, the pegging of the CFA franc to the euro and the country's role as the locomotive of the WAEMU zone (of which Côte d'Ivoire provides the bulk of foreign exchange reserves) constitute risk buffers. For Moody's, the balance between vigorous growth and fiscal discipline justifies market confidence in the Ivorian trajectory.

Asaba