On Monday, 8 June 2026, in Yamoussoukro, the Senate's Economic and Financial Affairs Committee unanimously adopted the bill ratifying Ordinance No. 2025-260 of 23 April 2025 on the implementation of tariff liberalization for non-sensitive products under the Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This marks another significant milestone in Côte d'Ivoire's implementation of the AfCFTA.
The bill was presented by Mr. Adama COULIBALY, Minister of Finance and Budget, before the Senate's Economic and Financial Affairs Committee. The session was also attended by the Executive Secretary of Côte d'Ivoire's National AfCFTA Committee (CN-AfCFTA), reflecting the Committee's commitment to supporting the reforms required for the effective implementation of the Agreement.
Constructive Discussions on the Challenges and Opportunities of the AfCFTA
During the deliberations, senators examined the implications of implementing the tariff liberalization schedule provided for under the AfCFTA. Several concerns were raised, particularly regarding the competitiveness of local businesses in the context of the gradual opening of the continental market.
At the same time, Committee members highlighted the significant economic, industrial, and social opportunities that the AfCFTA offers to Côte d'Ivoire. They also emphasized the strong alignment of this reform with the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2040, which identifies structural economic transformation as a national priority.
A Long-Term Economic Vision
The discussions also addressed the potential reduction in customs revenues resulting from the progressive tariff liberalization process. In this regard, senators agreed that any short-term revenue losses should be assessed within a broader, long-term economic perspective.
They noted that the projections presented indicate substantial positive outcomes for the national economy, including stronger economic growth, increased exports, higher public revenues, and improved trade balances—benefits expected to significantly outweigh the initial customs revenue losses.
A Unanimous Vote in Support of African Economic Integration
At the conclusion of the discussions, the bill was unanimously adopted by the members of the Senate's Economic and Financial Affairs Committee.
This unanimous adoption represents another important step forward in the implementation of the AfCFTA in Côte d'Ivoire. It demonstrates the commitment of national institutions to the vision of a more economically integrated Africa and reaffirms Côte d'Ivoire's determination to pursue the reforms needed to enable its businesses to fully benefit from the opportunities offered by the continental market, fostering inclusive, sustainable, and prosperity-driven economic growth.