Abuja, Nigeria – December 4, 2025 — The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire has officially signed a Membership Agreement with the Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program, marking a significant step in strengthening its economic partnerships across Arab and African markets. The signing ceremony took place in Abuja during the 5th AATB Board of Governors Meeting, hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The agreement was signed by Eng. Nasser Al-Thekair, General Manager of Trade & Business Development at the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), and Mr. Clement Kouakou, Deputy Director of the Ministerial Cabinet at Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development.
Strategic Commitment to Regional Integration
Côte d’Ivoire’s accession underscores its commitment to deepening regional integration and advancing trade-led development. Through this membership, the country will collaborate with AATB to design and implement the Côte d’Ivoire Country Program, a structured framework aimed at:
• Promoting trade and investment opportunities
• Enhancing export competitiveness
• Supporting industrial upgrading
• Expanding logistics capacity
• Strengthening quality infrastructure
• Advancing digital trade readiness
Practical Interventions
The program will deliver targeted initiatives, including:
• Feasibility studies for quality control laboratories
• Support for e-commerce platforms showcasing export products
• Skills development programs for the logistics sector
• B2B matchmaking in priority value chains such as construction and agri-food
Expanding AATB’s African Footprint
Côte d’Ivoire’s membership further consolidates AATB’s growing engagement with African economies seeking to integrate into global value chains and boost regional connectivity. The partnership is expected to accelerate trade diversification and foster sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Arab Africa Trade Bridges Program (AATB).
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