Cocoa prices have recently fallen in Côte d'Ivoire, already causing some decline in the foundational sector of the Ivoirian economy. Consequently, social unrest has increased and political risks are seen as having risen. At a time when a still fragile peace had seemingly been consolidated, these issues could compromise the stability of the country.

The presentation will cover the following topics:

• Which outcomes are most and least likely?
• Can investors continue to be bullish on Côte d'Ivoire, or should they have more "realistic views" on all possible outcomes of present uncertain social context?
• How can investors prepare for possible uncertainties ahead?

Speaker

Brian Klaas — Our primary Côte d’Ivoire expert is a Fellow in Comparative Politics at the London School of economics, where he focuses on African politics, elections, and political violence. Brian received his DPhil at the University of Oxford

He has experience in both NGO and commercial consultancy work, including for the International Crisis group and the Carter Centre. He was formerly Malachite consulting’s lead consultant on Madagascar analysing the 2013 elections, as well as advising on risks to investment.

Leïla Hubeaut — Leïla is a partner at Herbert Smith Freehills' Paris office and has built significant experience advising on mergers, acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures and project development, principally within the power, mining, hydrocarbons and infrastructure sectors. Leïla has a particular focus on Francophone North and sub-Saharan Africa.