“His divine power has given Côte d’Ivoire everything it needs for life and godliness!”
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Africa
Population | 28.71 million
Area | 322,463㎢, Located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa.
Capital City | Yamoussoukro (legal capital, 230,000 people), Abidjan (administrative and economic capital, 5.68 million people)
People Groups | Total 107 groups, Baule 15.5%, Jula 10%, Dan 6.2%, Malinke 5.9%, Senufo 5.9%, Agni 5.7%, Mossi 5.7%, Hausa 4.1%
Unreached People Groups | 33 (22.3% of the population)
Official Language(s) | French, Zula
Total Languages | 102
Bible Translations | Completed 20, New Testament 36, Partial 13
Religion | Christianity 36.8% (9% Protestant, 16% Catholic), Muslim 38.6%, Ethnic religions 23.3% Evangelical 12.5% (3.59 million people)
》 About Cote d’lvoire
Côte d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, was first invaded by the Portuguese around 1470, who exploited the region’s wealth in gold, ivory, and human lives through the slave trade. Since then France had advanced in the 17th century, and Britain in the late 18th century. By 1889, the territory became a formal French colony, and in 1960, it finally gained independence. However, the decades following independence were marked by political instability, including more than 30 years of authoritarian rule and multiple military coups. In 2002, a coup sparked a civil war that left thousands dead. After seizing power, President Laurent Gbagbo delayed elections six times after his term ended. When the opposition won the 2010 election, he refused to concede, triggering another civil war. The war ended in April 2011 with intervention by UN and French forces, and finally Gbagbo was removed. Since then, Côte d’Ivoire has been operating presidential system, and President Alassane Ouattara has been in office since 2010, being re-elected for a third term in 2020.
The country’s economy grew since the end of the civil war in 2011, but about 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. Côte d’Ivoire leads the world in cocoa production and export, and ranks in the third in producing coffee and palm oil. Its economy largely depends on agriculture, forestry, and mining, including gold, diamonds, and nickel. Electricity export industry are also on the rise. While these industries are growing, structural weaknesses remain, including dependence on global market prices, widespread child labor, and high youth unemployment.
Cote d’lvoire’s GDP per capita is approximately $2,486.
》 Scripture Focus
| 2 Peter 1:2-7(NIV) 2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our LORD. 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. |
》 Prayer Points
1. About 37% of people in Côte d’Ivoire are Christians, including 16% Catholics who are mostly in the south and among the upper-middle class. Many are nominal in their faith. Around 12% are evangelicals, but tribal religions that worship idols still have a strong influence, not only on Christians but also on Muslims. For over 60 years, the Evangelical Alliance has worked for unity, and organizations like Transformation Africa, the World Day of Prayer, IFES, and CCCI have helped churches work together.
Let us pray for churches to grow in faith based on God’s Word, rather than seeking miracles or wealth. May believers truly know Jesus and receive all they need for life and godliness. Pray that those wounded by war and injustice will be healed and transformed by the power of God’s promises.
2. Missionaries are still welcome and active in areas like evangelism, church planting, and Bible translation. Many come through organizations like CMA, AoG, WEC, and others. The Calvary Mission (CARPRO), Methodists, and Baptists are training and sending local missionaries to neighboring countries. In the past 10 years, the Bible has been newly translated into nine languages. Let us pray that these Bibles will reach people in all regions, including the poor and marginalized. Pray for more workers to help finish remaining Bible translations and for the gospel to be preached in local languages. With high illiteracy rate, ask God to raise up literacy ministry, so more people can understand the Word.
3. Millions in the north still haven’t heard the gospel. Most are Muslims, and there are few or no Christians among them. Due to political tensions between the north and the south, it has become more difficult for southern Christians to reach out. Pray that hearts in unreached people groups will be open to the gospel, and that God’s Word will take root and bear fruit. Nearly 59% of the population is under 24, and many children face trafficking and exploitation. Ask God to protect them and bring them under His care to enjoy life and peace. Pray for ministries that train young people in God’s Word and raise up future leaders for revival. Let us pray that Côte d’Ivoire will become a nation of strong faith, love, and godliness, pleasing to God and shining with His love.
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