Côte d'Ivoire takes a decisive step in its cooperation with Europe. Of the 34 projects approved during the first call for projects of the INTERREG Madeira-Azores-Canary Islands (MAC) 2021-2027 program, ten involve Ivorian partners, to which is added the ATLANTE strategic project. These projects cover sectors considered priority for the future of the country such as the competitiveness of SMEs, digital transformation, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, food security, marine technologies, adaptation to climate change and mobility.

The Director General of Relations with Africa of the Government of the Canary Islands, Luis Padilla, chaired the presentation day Abidjan, highlighting the convergence between the program objectives and Ivorian national priorities. He also revealed that the third call for projects recorded demand exceeding available funds by 510%, with 35 Ivorian entities involved in the proposals submitted. 85% financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), INTERREG MAC has a total budget of nearly 200 million euros.

This dynamic is part of the strategic vision of Côte d'Ivoire, whose National Development Plan focuses on innovation, ecological transition and economic competitiveness as growth levers sustainable.