ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — Air Côte d’Ivoire has secured 35 billion CFA francs (approximately $58 million) in financing from the West African Development Bank (BOAD) to construct a major aircraft maintenance facility in Abidjan, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s aviation sector.
The planned Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center will enable the national carrier and other regional airlines to service aircraft locally, reducing reliance on costly overseas maintenance operations.
Officials say the facility is expected to serve airlines across West and Central Africa, positioning Abidjan as a strategic hub for aviation services in the region.
The project aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s broader efforts to enhance self-sufficiency in air transport infrastructure, while supporting the long-term growth of its national airline.
Currently, many African carriers depend on maintenance facilities in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia — a situation that often leads to higher operational costs and longer aircraft downtime.
By localizing these services, the Abidjan-based center is expected to improve efficiency and competitiveness for regional airlines.
Beyond operational benefits, the project is also projected to contribute to job creation and technical skills development, particularly in specialized areas of aircraft engineering and maintenance.
Authorities believe the initiative will play a key role in building local expertise and reducing the continent’s dependence on foreign technical support in aviation.
Over the medium to long term, the MRO facility is expected to reinforce Abidjan’s ambition to become a regional air transport hub, supporting increased connectivity and economic activity across West Africa.
