Côte d’Ivoire: An Emerging Hub for Mining, Oil, and Energy Investment in the context of Global Uncertainty

Côte d’Ivoire is rapidly establishing itself as a strategic hub for the extractive and energy sectors in West Africa, diversifying an economy historically dominated by agriculture. The country’s growth in mining, oil, and energy is underpinned by significant geological potential and a structured institutional framework that increasingly attracts international investors. Central to this strategy is the Integrated Minerals and Energy Policy (PIRME), which coordinates development across mining, hydrocarbons, and energy, offering a clear, secure, and long-term vision for investors in a world affected by geopolitical and energy uncertainties.

A dynamic and diversified mining sector

Over the last decade, Côte d’Ivoire has become one of West Africa’s most dynamic mining markets. Gold, the country’s primary mineral, saw production rise from roughly 13.2 tonnes in 2012 to over 59.1 tonnes in 2024, with projections of 62 tonnes in 2025. This growth reflects the opening of new industrial mines, increased exploration, and a consistent granting of mining permits, demonstrating sustained international interest.

The country’s subsoil contains a rich variety of minerals, including manganese, nickel, iron, bauxite, lithium, copper, cobalt, chrome, molybdenum, diamond, and iron, placing Côte d’Ivoire strategically within the value chains for minerals critical to the global energy transition. Mining now contributes about 5% of GDP and nearly 13% of exports, highlighting its pivotal role in economic diversification.

Investor confidence is strengthened by a modern regulatory framework, including a digitalized mining cadastre, simplified permitting procedures, and dispute resolution mechanisms aligned with international standards. 

These reforms reduce regulatory risks and encourage local processing of minerals, promoting value addition and the development of a domestic industrial ecosystem. With 19 operational mines (13 gold mines, 4 manganese mines, one bauxite mine, and one nickel mine) and more than 2,000 billion FCFA in cumulative investment presented at the recent 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba, Côte d’Ivoire is solidifying its reputation as a top-tier mining destination.

Recent developments also highlight continued international interest, including a planned $780 million investment by the Chinese mining group Huaxin Gold in 2026, aimed at developing new projects, expanding exploration activities, strengthening site security, and improving infrastructure. Similarly, Resolute Mining Company has approved the Final Investment Decision for its Doropo Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire. The project’s Definitive Feasibility Study indicates a strong, high-margin operation with expected average annual production of 169,000 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost of US $1,406 per ounce over a 13-year mine life. Construction is planned to begin in the first half of 2026. 

This momentum reinforces Côte d’Ivoire’s growing reputation as a leading and attractive mining destination in West Africa, ranking fifth on the African continent, according to the 2025 annual survey published by the Fraser Institute, behind Botswana (1st), Morocco (2nd), Zambia (3rd), and Tanzania (4th).

Strategic oil potential

Côte d’Ivoire’s oil sector is also undergoing transformation, with significant offshore discoveries, including the Baleine and Calao fields, expected to increase production to 200,000 barrels per day by 2028. 

This growth supports the development of critical infrastructure, such as refineries, oil terminals, and logistics networks, positioning the country as a key emerging energy player in West Africa.

The Côte d’Ivoire government provides a stable investment climate through production-sharing agreements and a competitive fiscal regime. Transparent resource management and alignment with international standards mitigate regulatory and financial risks, making Côte d’Ivoire a reliable destination for international oil companies, institutional investors, and energy service providers, especially amid global market volatility and geopolitical tensions.

Energy transition and industrial infrastructure

Rising demand from mining and oil growth drives Côte d’Ivoire’s dual energy strategy, combining hydrocarbons with renewable energy. The government aims to increase the share of renewables to 45% by 2030, up from 8% today, with ongoing solar and electricity infrastructure projects designed to support industrialization and regional energy exports.

Through effective public-private partnerships and mobilization of international financing, Côte d’Ivoire is developing secure, modern energy infrastructure aligned with international standards, offering investors long-term growth prospects in a rapidly expanding African market.

PIRME: a strategic framework for investors

The Integrated Minerals and Energy Policy (PIRME) is central to coordinating and securing investment in the sector. With a 15-year budget of 38,000 billion FCFA (around $67 billion), PIRME aims to double the mining and energy sector’s GDP contribution from 7% in 2022 to 14% by 2040, making it the second pillar of the economy after agriculture.

PIRME emphasizes local processing, sustainable energy infrastructure, local content promotion, governance improvement, and public-private partnerships. It provides investors with long-term planning, a stable regulatory environment, and opportunities to participate in large-scale projects while mitigating regulatory and governance risks.

Opportunities amid geopolitical tensions

Rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly around Iran, increase volatility in energy and strategic metals markets. This environment enhances the appeal of African countries with abundant resources and stable investment climates. Côte d’Ivoire, with its macroeconomic stability, institutional reforms, and PIRME framework, emerges as a secure destination for capital seeking reliable access to energy and mineral resources.

Conclusion

The concurrent growth of mining, oil, and energy places Côte d’Ivoire at a strategic economic inflection point. PIRME provides a coherent framework to transform natural resources into sustainable growth, offering international investors opportunities in key sectors with predictable regulations, structured public-private partnerships, and long-term prospects in a geopolitically uncertain world.

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