The handover ceremony between the outgoing Minister of Trade, Industry, and Handicrafts, Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, and his successor, Minister Kalil Ibrahim Konaté, took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in a solemn and dignified atmosphere, marking a significant milestone in the institutional life of this strategic department.
This official act confirms the continuity of government action and reflects the State’s commitment to ensuring stable and effective governance in service of national economic development. After several years at the helm of the Ministry, the outgoing Minister highlighted the efforts made and the results achieved through close collaboration with all stakeholders in the sector. He commended the professionalism, availability, and unwavering commitment of his staff, while expressing his profound gratitude for the work accomplished collectively for the benefit of the national economy.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Handicrafts’ role in implementing public policies aimed at strengthening business competitiveness, promoting industrialization, supporting handicrafts, and encouraging the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are key drivers of growth and job creation.
Upon officially assuming his duties, Minister Kalil Ibrahim Konaté expressed his gratitude to the highest authorities for the trust placed in him. He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the actions already underway, while pursuing and deepening the necessary reforms to consolidate achievements and meet new economic challenges. His ambition is to strengthen the contribution of the trade, industry, and handicrafts sectors to GDP growth, improve the business climate, and create sustainable jobs.
Through this handover of responsibilities, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Handicrafts is thus opening a new phase of its work, marked by continuity, responsibility, and commitment to the economic and social development of Côte d’Ivoire.
DCRP_MCIA
