By RFIPalled on 14-07-2019Modified on 14-07-2019 at 22:47

The Ivorian economy is maintained. Its growth is stable, according to the latest report from the World Bank which forecasts a growth rate of 7.2% in 2019 against 7.4% in 2018. But several risks hang over the economy.

The growth to more than 7% which is the pride of the authorities since 2012 should be maintained provided " that the Ivorian economy does not suffer major external shocks and that the political environment remains calm as the 2020 presidential approach "Says the World Bank in its report entitled" In the land of cocoa, how to transform Côte d'Ivoire ".

►Also read: Ivory Coast: growth still insolent despite a slight slowdown

Other indicators are green: low inflation at 0.3% in 2018 and a budget deficit at 4% and falling. The objective of the 3% required by WAEMU to integrate the single currency next year is at hand.

The World Bank, however, points to several problems. Problem of mobilization of tax revenues, in particular VAT. And then the Ivorian economy is still very dependent on the agricultural sector (21.5% of GDP), a sector whose growth slowed sharply last year.

►Also read: [Infographic] Cocoa: Understanding the ultimatum of Ghana and Ivory Coast

The fluctuation of the markets, the climate change pose therefore heavy threats on this Ivorian economy, as well as the terrorist risk and the uncertainty around the possible troubles related to the electoral process to come.

" This possible deterioration of the political environment could also lead private operators to slow down their investments, " the report notes. For now, this is not the case since foreign direct investment is up in 2018. " These political risks could be exacerbated by the relatively limited sharing of the fruits of growth, " adds the World Bank. According to the latest statistics available on the issue and dating from 2015: 46% of Ivorians live below the poverty line.

Ivorian growth is expected to remain one of the fastest in Africa, around 7% over the next 4 years, 7.2% in 2019. Download our new report here: https://t.co/19OEiUHNY9 #cotedivoire #economy pic.twitter.com/fYT7CI7wql

World Bank AFR (@BM_Afrique) July 11, 2019

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