BMI View: We maintain our positive outlook for growth in Cote d Ivoire s construction sector over the medium term, with annual average real growth of -.- expected between ---- and ----. ...This is supported by numerous debt cancellations and growing tax revenues, in addition to growing revenues from gold mining and cocoa production. There is also longer-term potential for growing oil production as offshore exploration takes off, while offshore natural gas production is already seeing strong growth, with output doubling in ---- (versus ----), and hoped to increase a further -- in ----. At the same time, the private sector is returning to growth, following years of political uncertainty. ...At the same time, the private sector is returning to growth, following years of political uncertainty. This drive for private investment in infrastructure is being support by development funding and, most crucially, the World Bank s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), which has been providing investor guarantees for flagship projects in the country.
...$--mn loan for the expansion of the Azito power plant. This was followed by an investment guarantee by MIGA for the project in January ----. ...Vital support was also provided by MIGA, which unlocked key private investment by providing crucial insurance against political risk, including non-commercial risks to investment and dispute resolution for investments. Abidjan Port: in addition to Bollore s plans to invest US$--mn to double capacity at the container terminal it manages, China Harbour Engineering Company was awarded a US$---mn engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to build a new container terminal, a roll-on/roll-off terminal and also to carry out dredging at the port. In June ---- a consortium of Bollore, Bouygues and APM Terminals signed an agreement to construct and operate a second container terminal at Abidjan port, known as TC-. ...Construction is due to start in ---- on an extension into Niamey in Niger, as well as an upgrade to the existing line. Abidjan already serves -- of the trade to Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, and this line would open up further demand for the port.
...Cote d Ivoire s seaports and roads have been undergoing major upgrades so that it can cope with the export needs of the economy. Rapid economic recovery following conflict in ----. ...Significant gold mining potential and untapped hydrocarbons resources. Presence of a number of well established French infrastructure players with significant technical expertise. Success with private companies investing in and operating infrastructure. ...
