Côte d’Ivoire: 2022 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; and Staff Report

This 2022 Article IV Consultation with Côte d’Ivoire highlights that the Ivorian economy proved resilient to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The economy recovered strongly in 2021, with growth estimated at 7 percent, while annual inflation rose to 4.2 percent due to external and supply shocks. The overall fiscal deficit reached 5.1 percent of gross domestic product, lower than anticipated, mainly due to improvements in customs collection and tax administration which offset higher security spending. The deterioration in the external environment linked to the war in Ukraine and regional security challenges are expected to weigh on the macroeconomic outlook in 2022. The new social program of the government can continue enhancing human capital. While the country made significant progress in broadening access to education over recent years, further efforts aimed at improving the quality of basic education and professional training systems would help easing skills mismatch in the labor market. Despite notable progress, ensuring equitable access to health care remains a priority.