Côte d’Ivoire has now established itself as the leading mining destination in West Africa and ranks fifth on the continent, according to the 2025 annual survey published by the Fraser Institute.
With a score of 60.92 out of 100 on the Investment Attractiveness Index — up from 55.70 points in 2023 — the country confirms steady progress. This performance allows it to reclaim the position of regional leader from Ghana, which it lost in 2024, and to stand as the most attractive mining jurisdiction in West Africa.
In the sub-regional ranking, Côte d’Ivoire ranks ahead of Ghana (55.21 points) and Guinea (52.16 points). Mali (46.58 points) and Burkina Faso (35.29 points) complete the West African top five.
At the continental level, the country holds fifth place behind Botswana (1st), Morocco (2nd), Zambia (3rd), and Tanzania (4th). Globally, Côte d’Ivoire ranks 47th, while the U.S. state of Nevada retains the top position overall.
An international benchmark in assessing mining environments, the Fraser Institute bases its analysis on surveys conducted among executives of mining companies operating in 68 jurisdictions. The index primarily relies on two criteria: perceptions of mining-related public policies and assessment of mineral potential.
On both fronts, Côte d’Ivoire has recorded notable progress, reflecting increased confidence among international investors in its regulatory and institutional framework.
This positive momentum was highlighted during the 2025 edition of the Africa Down Under forum. On that occasion, Justin Tremain, CEO of Turaco Gold, involved in the Afema gold project, stated that there was “no better place in the world” to develop a gold mine than Côte d’Ivoire. A view echoed by Adam Oehlman, head of African Gold, who praised the rapid discoveries made at the Didievi gold project.
In January 2026, the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, presented the Integrated Mineral and Energy Resources Policy (PIRME), a comprehensive roadmap for the extractive and energy sectors. The stated ambition is clear: to make Côte d’Ivoire Africa’s leading gold producer within five years.
