The transition of the Ivorian government in March 2021 followed the hospitalization and subsequent death of Hamed Bakayoko, placing Patrick Achi into the role of acting Prime Minister. Appointed officially by President Alassane Ouattara later that month, Achi brought a background in engineering and management to the administration, focusing heavily on infrastructure and economic planning.
Academic and Private Sector Foundations
Born in Paris in 1955 to an Ivorian father and a French Breton mother, Achi completed his formative education in France and the United States. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the Université de Cocody in Abidjan, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Supélec, and a Master of Science in management from Stanford University. His professional path began in 1983 as a consultant for Arthur Andersen in Paris. By 1988, he moved to the firm's Abidjan office to direct consulting services for West and Central Africa, eventually establishing his own practice, Strategie & Management Consultants, in 1992.
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Between 2010 and 2017, Achi served as the Minister of Economic Infrastructure across the cabinets of Guillaume Soro, Jeannot Ahoussou-Kouadio, and Daniel Kablan Duncan. In 2017, he transitioned to the role of Secretary General of the Presidency. During his time in government, he managed the execution of the 2030 Strategic Plan and the five-year 'Côte d'Ivoire Solidaire 2021-2025' program, a responsibility he maintained while serving as Prime Minister.
Prime Ministerial Tenure and Diplomatic Engagement
As Prime Minister, Achi navigated a period of cabinet restructuring, resigning and being reappointed in April 2022. He served as a representative for Ivory Coast at multiple international forums, including the World Economic Forum in Davos and the US-Africa Leaders Summit. His administration engaged with entities such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to secure support for national development initiatives. His tenure ended in October 2023 when the Ivorian government was dissolved by President Ouattara.
Regional Leadership
Beyond his national political roles, Achi has maintained a consistent focus on regional governance. He was first appointed President of the Regional Council of La Mé in 2013, a position he continued to hold after departing from his responsibilities as Prime Minister.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Paris
- Prime Minister of Ivory Coast: 2021-2023
- Education: Supélec, Stanford University
- Political Party: Rally of the Republicans
- Career Start: Arthur Andersen, 1983
- Regional Role: President of the Regional Council of La Mé
Questions readers ask
What was Patrick Achi's role in the 2030 Strategic Plan?
He served as the Executive Secretary of the National Council for Economic Policy, where he was responsible for the oversight and execution of the plan.
How long was Patrick Achi's term as Prime Minister?
He served as Prime Minister from March 2021 until October 2023.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Ivory Coast (2021–2023)
- Educated at Stanford University and Supélec
