Paper short abstract:

The paper propose critical view on the foreign assistance and involvement in planning in cote d'Ivoire and the Ivorian leadership perception of the time , 1960-1963.

Paper long abstract:

In 1960 Côte d'Ivoire gained its independence along with many African nations. Felix Houphouët-Boigny, was facing development challenges along with growing aspirations for political and economic independence. Two forces influenced decision making. On one hand the natural resources, human capital and local knowledge, on the other hand, aspirations of immediate development following modernization perception and the involvement of foreign states and international bodies. These forces were at times contradictory.

The invitation of Israeli planning experts in December 1962 to submit a proposal for the planning of Cote d'Ivoire was only one amongst many other examples of foreign assistance offered in early phases of state building. The invitation led to a delegation of experts and propelled in a published report. Except for new planning agendas for rural areas, the report emphasizes the need for the legislative framework as well as monitoring tenure land rights and land allocation.

The report enables a better understanding of the role of state actors (France and Israel) and non-state actors, private corporations like Brom (France) and Lilienthal (USA) as many others. The report draws new perspectives on early years of post-colonial Cote d'Ivoire (1960-1963) and reflects the actors' agenda, both public and private.

On the basis of new, as yet unpublished archival evidence (including both written documents and photographers) we will show the intention and motivation of Ivorian leadership and will offer a new look at the history of Côte d'Ivoire early years of state-building as reflected in seeking for independent planning.