Re-globalization offers path to value creation for developing economies
At a WTO lecture, Côte d'Ivoire's President argued re-globalization can help developing nations shift from raw material exports to higher-value production, contingent on infrastructure, skills, and trade rules, citing his country's 7% average growth since 2012.
The WTO hosted a Presidential Lecture on 29 October 2026, where Côte d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara made the case for re-globalization as a pathway for developing economies. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who delivered welcoming remarks, called for a focus on this process, noting that "the global trading system is currently going through a difficult period and that African economies in particular face uncertainty and fragmentation in accessing external markets." The series provides a platform for high-level dialogue on global trade, with several events held each year.
Côte d'Ivoire's growth story
Côte d'Ivoire demonstrated sustained economic expansion, averaging 7 percent growth between 2012 and 2025 despite global shocks such as the pandemic. This period was characterized by significant growth in trade, a gradual diversification of markets and a consolidation of the country's production capacity. The experience was based on an improved business climate, strengthened governance, a sound macroeconomic framework and sustainable debt management. Director-General Okonjo-Iweala noted that several African countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, have recorded some of the highest growth rates in the world in recent years.
Policy imperatives for re-globalization
President Ouattara stated the aim is to enable developing countries to move from focusing primarily on the export of raw materials to targeting value creation, competitiveness and productive transformation. He argued re-globalization offers developing countries a chance to move past primary product exports. Ouattara emphasized that this requires improving infrastructure, developing skills, facilitating access to financing and promoting technology transfer. He defined the concept, saying, "re-globalization is a process in which globalization is made broader, more resilient and more inclusive." Also, re-globalization requires coherent public policies, strengthened international cooperation and having trade rules that enable the most vulnerable countries to better seize the opportunities offered by the global economy.
The role of regional integration
African regional integration, led by initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is positioned as a major opportunity to deepen market access and support value creation. The AfCFTA serves as an important lever for expanding market opportunities for Ivorian businesses, facilitating trade and fostering the emergence of regional value chains. President Ouattara said this integration represents a major opportunity to further achieve the ambition of productive transformation. Businesses need sufficiently large markets to achieve economies of scale, recoup their investments and improve their competitiveness. To seize these opportunities, however, leadership and policy change at the national level are essential. These domestic efforts must also be complemented by reforms undertaken elsewhere, including at the WTO, the Director-General added.
The article closes on the point that sustained national reforms, complemented by multilateral action, are essential for developing countries to seize the opportunities of a more inclusive global economy.
