WASHINGTON, October 15, 2022 - Today, World Bank Group President David Malpass met with Patrick Achi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
President Malpass and Prime Minister Achi discussed the global economic outlook and challenges facing developing countries, including slow growth, high inflation, food insecurity, and rising conflicts and violence. President Malpass emphasized the need for appropriate policy responses to confront these shocks, including by advanced economies.
President Malpass and Prime Minister Achi discussed the strategic collaboration between the World Bank Group’s (WBG) and Côte d'Ivoire and the WBG’s support for economic transformation, higher-quality value chains in agriculture and industry, and a business enabling environment. President Malpass urged more progress in the regulatory framework for the digital sector to allow for more competition and lower costs. President Malpass and Prime Minister Achi also spoke about the need to strengthen domestic resource mobilization by broadening the tax base and improving tax compliance, including through the application of digital technologies.
President Malpass and Prime Minister Achi discussed approaches to integrate climate and development and the need to focus on adaptation and resilience given significant climate vulnerabilities in the agriculture, forestry, and infrastructure sectors. In this context, President Malpass highlighted the upcoming WBG’s Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for Côte d'Ivoire as an opportunity to articulate and cost out impactful projects.
President Malpass assured Prime Minister Achi of continuing WBG support toward addressing the increased fragility and conflict in the Sahel, noting the presence of large migrant populations from the Sahel in Côte d'Ivoire. President Malpass and Prime Minister Achi also exchanged views on effective regional platforms to address instability in Gulf of Guinea countries through promoting economic opportunities for youth, better health and education services, and improved connectivity. President Malpass highlighted the need to better coordinate international aid to address drivers of conflict, including the inflow of weapons into the Sahel region.
