Ivory Coast is taking a new step in its industrialization policy. The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, Kalil Konaté, and the Chairman and CEO of the B5 Plus Group, Mukesh Thakwani, signed, Tuesday July 7, 2026, at the ministry’s office located in Abidjan, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) relating to the implementation of major industrial projects, for an investment of 110 billion FCFA.
Through this strategic partnership, the B5 Plus Group plans the construction of a steelworks equipped with a rolling mill as well as the development of a pharmaceutical industry. These projects are part of the Government’s strategy aimed at accelerating the structural transformation of the national economy through the development of a competitive industrial fabric that creates jobs.
Minister Kalil Konaté welcomed this agreement, which came on the sidelines of consultations on the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030. “This memorandum of understanding will make it possible to develop important projects which are part of the overall vision of the structural transformation of our country’s economy through industrialization,” he declared. He also assured the B5 Plus Group of “the full availability of the State of Côte d’Ivoire to support this structuring project”.
Furthermore, the Minister stressed that this investment constitutes a major lever for employment and economic growth. “One hundred and ten billion FCFA represents a considerable investment which will, I am convinced, create many jobs for the Ivorian population. The State will do everything to support this important project,” he said.
The Chairman and CEO of the B5 Plus Group, Mukesh Thakwani, reaffirmed, for his part, the desire of his company to accelerate the implementation of the project with the support of the Ivorian authorities. “We want to move forward quickly with your support and support in order to build this industry in record time. With the support of the Ivorian government, we will create thousands of jobs, produce according to international standards and help reduce foreign currency outflows,” he indicated, also announcing the continuation of other industrial investments, notably in the manufacturing of tanks and trailers in Ivory Coast.
Founded in 2002 and based in Tema, Ghana, B5 Plus Group is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of steel products in West Africa. The company markets more than 4,000 steel products and generates more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. This memorandum of understanding strengthens the attractiveness of Côte d’Ivoire and confirms its ambition to accelerate its industrialization.
