The United Kingdom ((UK) is turning to Côte d’Ivoire as a potential strategic partner in West Africa, as Britain seeks to expand its influence beyond its traditional, English-speaking allies on the continent.

A government consultation published in June this year highlighted the need for the UK to rethink its regional priorities in Africa, with respondents pointing to opportunities in Francophone countries where the UK lacks colonial baggage but sees growing openings for cooperation in trade, security and education.

Officials have begun to focus more closely on West Africa as France’s role in the region diminishes.

Côte d’Ivoire has quickly emerged as a leading prospect, underscored by a high-level meeting in May in Abidjan between President Alassane Ouattara and Lord Collins, then UK Minister for Africa.

Diplomatic alignment has been a driver of closer ties.

Like Britain, Côte d’Ivoire has taken a strong stance in support of Ukraine, while working to counter Russian disinformation across the region.

Security has been another pillar.

After prioritising military and security sector reforms following its civil war more than a decade ago, Côte d’Ivoire is now viewed as a regional bulwark against Islamist violence and instability.

The US, Britain’s closest ally, describes Côte d’Ivoire as playing a “vital role in the security of West Africa”.

Economic potential adds to Côte d’Ivoire’s appeal.

The country is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, with the IMF projecting it could achieve upper-middle-income status in the medium term.

Credit upgrades from S&P, Fitch and Moody’s place it among the continent’s most highly rated economies, behind only Botswana, Mauritius and Morocco.

With the UK eager to attract more African companies to list on the London Stock Exchange, analysts say Côte d’Ivoire offers a relatively low-risk environment for investment, underpinned by political and military stability.

The strengthening of economic relations between the UK and Côte d’Ivoire is coming at a time when Francophone African countries are beginning to look beyond France.

For decades, West Africa’s French-speaking countries have been synonymous with French influence.

From military interventions to economic policy, Paris was the default power broker.

But as France’s grip weakens, others are stepping into the gap.

Among them is Britain, which increasingly sees Côte d’Ivoire as a linchpin for a new approach to Africa.

Ivorians living in the UK have welcomed the prospects of growing trade links between their country and the UK.

They note that their Côte d’Ivoire’s economy is dynamic, and they were looking for investors who will add value, “not just extract profit”.

They would welcome British companies “with a long-term vision”.