The mission formed part of the sixth and final review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) plus Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangements approved on May 24, 2023, totalling $3.5 billion. The mission also took place alongside the fifth and final review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement, which was concluded on March 15, 2024, worth $1.3 billion.
Verdier described performance under the EFF/ECF plus RSF programmes as “remarkable”, citing progress on fiscal consolidation plus structural reforms. Enhanced revenue collection plus tighter controls on public spending reduced the fiscal deficit to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, in line with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) convergence criterion.
Reforms highlighted by Verdier included consolidation of the Treasury Single Account to improve cash management, plus strengthened governance of public entities to reduce money laundering plus terrorism financing risks.
RSF discussions focused on reforms planned for the review period, including the creation of a climate hazard insurance system for the cotton sector, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, plus development of a carbon taxation strategy.
The mission warned that the war in the Middle East, plus spillovers from shifting trade policies, represent a major external shock, with potential long-lasting effects on commodity prices, demand, plus financial conditions.
Despite global uncertainty, Verdier said Côte d’Ivoire remains resilient. Growth is projected at 6% in 2026, easing from 6.5% in 2025, reflecting weaker demand plus investment linked to uncertainty. Inflation is expected to rise to 3.3% in 2026 from 0.1% in 2025, driven by higher international prices for oil, fertilisers plus supply chain disruptions. The current account deficit is projected to widen to 2.2% of GDP in 2026 from 0.7% in 2025.
Verdier said regional foreign exchange reserves strengthened to about 8 months of imports at the end of March 2026, supported by crude oil plus gold exports plus improved access to international markets.
Verdier said fiscal discipline remains essential, with readiness to return to the WAEMU deficit norm of 3% of GDP by 2028. The Medium‑Term Revenue Mobilisation Strategy is expected to raise tax revenue from 14.9% of GDP in 2025 to 18% of GDP over the medium term, supporting priority social spending plus infrastructure under the National Development Plan 2026–2030.
–IMF/ChannelAfrica–
