West Africa has always fascinated me for its mix of African hospitality, palm trees, tropical fruit, beaches, and Francophone influences.  

A work conference brought me to the Ivory Coast, but the little I was able to see of the capital during down time far exceeded my expectations.  As a bonus it was a non-judgmental place to practice my rusty French without worrying about my strong Jersey accent.  

The food, fashion, and art scene are a reflection of both local and French traditions.

Cote D’Ivoire has a thriving culture and is a leading agricultural producer in the region.  It is the largest global producer of cocoa, which is the backbone of the local economy.  Unfortunately, not much chocolate is produced in the country as most of the crop is exported for final processing.  

It took some persistence but I did find some local artisan chocolate — and in such pretty packaging too!

The government hopes to change this by attracting international investment and technical assistance for its agriculture sector.  The World Bank is helping with projects that promote crop diversification and the development of food production alternatives to expand food and cash crop resources for smallholder farmers.  Plantain flour is an example of the innovations introduced to the food production mix.  French desserts and Ivorian turnovers made with the plantain flour tasted as good as they look.

Ivorians display remarkable resilience.  Following a terrorist attack at the popular Grand Bessam beach resort area, Ivorians fought back with a collaborative song Meme Pas Peur (not afraid).  Music has always been a tool for encouraging solidarity in the country and the Collectif Bassam Video, shot on the very same Bessam beach, conveyed a powerful message of defiance that has reverberated in the international press and social media.  

Historic Bessam, is a former capital that has been designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.  It is a popular day trip and weekend destination from the current capital, Abidjan.  Most hotels will arrange a car and driver for the trip.

Just weeks later, the country hosted a UN Food and Agricultural Organization Regional Conference and a Fashion Week – all in top Ivorian style.  After the civil war ended in 2011, Abidjan is reclaiming its position on the African fashion scene.  Young designers such as Loza Maléombho  are moving their business from the United States and Europe to the city’s business district in the Platea and supporting local fabric producers.  

Ivorian fashion was on display at the Sofitel Ivoire hotel and conference hostesses featured a new outfit and accessories daily.