AFP reported on December 1st that in October 2025, Côte d'Ivoire adopted its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2035, and up to 74% with international support. Its core strategy is to transform environmental protection into a driver of economic growth, with specific measures including increasing the share of renewable energy to 46.3% by 2035, restoring 1.5 million hectares of forest, and vigorously developing the blue economy and circular economy.
The landmark project, "Blue Côte d'Ivoire," plans to invest $378 million and, through actions such as establishing marine protected areas and restoring mangroves and coastal forests, will transform the Côte d'Ivoire coastline into a global model for sustainable economic growth. It is projected that by 2035, the project will generate over $1 billion in additional revenue annually from the blue economy and create over 200,000 jobs.
At the COP30 climate conference, the Ivorian delegation emphasized that, as a representative of low-emission but highly vulnerable African nations, the global ecological transition must include Africa's voice. They advocated for restructuring the climate finance system, with carbon markets and a circular economy as pillars, to promote more equitable and effective cooperation.
Ivory Coast's vision is to make the green transition a strategic opportunity for national modernization, youth employment, and innovation, effectively translating ecological protection into community well-being and shared prosperity.
