Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party walks as he prepares to casts his vote at a polling station during a presidential election in Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 25, 2015. Voting began in Ivory Coast on Sunday in an election likely to give President Alassane Ouattara a second term, a crucial event after a decade-long political crisis that ended in a 2011 civil war. REUTERS/Luc Gnago 

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party casts his vote at a polling station during a presidential election in Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 25, 2015. Voting began in Ivory Coast on Sunday in an election likely to give Ouattara a second term, a crucial event after a decade-long political crisis that ended in a 2011 civil war. REUTERS/Luc Gnago 

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party smiles next to his wife Dominique after casting his vote at a polling station during a presidential election in Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 25, 2015. Voting began in Ivory Coast on Sunday in an election likely to give President Alassane Ouattara a second term, a crucial event after a decade-long political crisis that ended in a 2011 civil war. REUTERS/Luc Gnago 

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party smiles next to his wife Dominique after casting his vote at a polling station during a presidential election in Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 25, 2015. Voting began in Ivory Coast on Sunday in an election likely to give President Alassane Ouattara a second term, a crucial event after a decade-long political crisis that ended in a 2011 civil war. REUTERS/Luc Gnago 

Election officials wait for people to vote in the presidential election at a polling station in Zebizekou, Gagnoa, in western Ivory Coast October 25, 2015. Gagnoa is former Ivory Coast's President Laurent Gbagbo's home region. Voting began in Ivory Coast on Sunday in an election likely to give President Alassane Ouattara a second term, a crucial event after a decade-long political crisis that ended in a 2011 civil war. Voter turnout will be critical to legitimising Ouattara's mandate if he wins as expected. Leaders of a break-away faction of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), the party of ex-President Gbagbo, have called for a boycott of the election. Gbagbo's refusal to recognise Ouattara's 2010 poll victory sparked the civil war. Gbagbo himself is now in The Hague awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court charged with crimes against humanity. Polling stations in pro-Gbagbo villages in the former president's home region around the cocoa hub of Gagnoa were devoid of voters. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Election officials wait for people to vote in the presidential election at a polling station in Zebizekou, Gagnoa, in western Ivory Coast October 25, 2015. Gagnoa is former Ivory Coast's President Laurent Gbagbo's home region. Voting began in Ivory Coast on Sunday in an election likely to give President Alassane Ouattara a second term, a crucial event after a decade-long political crisis that ended in a 2011 civil war. Voter turnout will be critical to legitimising Ouattara's mandate if he wins as expected. Leaders of a break-away faction of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), the party of ex-President Gbagbo, have called for a boycott of the election. Gbagbo's refusal to recognise Ouattara's 2010 poll victory sparked the civil war. Gbagbo himself is now in The Hague awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court charged with crimes against humanity. Polling stations in pro-Gbagbo villages in the former president's home region around the cocoa hub of Gagnoa were devoid of voters. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Election officials wait for people to vote in the presidential election at a polling station in Zebizekou, Gagnoa, in western Ivory Coast October 25, 2015. Gagnoa is former Ivory Coast's President Laurent Gbagbo's home region. Voting began in Ivory Coast on Sunday in an election likely to give President Alassane Ouattara a second term, a crucial event after a decade-long political crisis that ended in a 2011 civil war. Voter turnout will be critical to legitimising Ouattara's mandate if he wins as expected. Leaders of a break-away faction of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), the party of ex-President Gbagbo, have called for a boycott of the election. Gbagbo's refusal to recognise Ouattara's 2010 poll victory sparked the civil war. Gbagbo himself is now in The Hague awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court charged with crimes against humanity. Polling stations in pro-Gbagbo villages in the former president's home region around the cocoa hub of Gagnoa were devoid of voters. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Election officials wait for people to vote in the presidential election at a polling station in Zebizekou, Gagnoa, in western Ivory Coast October 25, 2015. Gagnoa is former Ivory Coast's President Laurent Gbagbo's home region. Voting began in Ivory Coast on Sunday in an election likely to give President Alassane Ouattara a second term, a crucial event after a decade-long political crisis that ended in a 2011 civil war. Voter turnout will be critical to legitimising Ouattara's mandate if he wins as expected. Leaders of a break-away faction of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), the party of ex-President Gbagbo, have called for a boycott of the election. Gbagbo's refusal to recognise Ouattara's 2010 poll victory sparked the civil war. Gbagbo himself is now in The Hague awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court charged with crimes against humanity. Polling stations in pro-Gbagbo villages in the former president's home region around the cocoa hub of Gagnoa were devoid of voters. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Election officials wait for people to vote in the presidential election at a polling station in Zebizekou, Gagnoa, in western Ivory Coast October 25, 2015. Gagnoa is former Ivory Coast's President Laurent Gbagbo's home region. Voting began in Ivory Coast on Sunday in an election likely to give President Alassane Ouattara a second term, a crucial event after a decade-long political crisis that ended in a 2011 civil war. Voter turnout will be critical to legitimising Ouattara's mandate if he wins as expected. Leaders of a break-away faction of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), the party of ex-President Gbagbo, have called for a boycott of the election. Gbagbo's refusal to recognise Ouattara's 2010 poll victory sparked the civil war. Gbagbo himself is now in The Hague awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court charged with crimes against humanity. Polling stations in pro-Gbagbo villages in the former president's home region around the cocoa hub of Gagnoa were devoid of voters. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party casts his vote at a polling station during a presidential election in Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 25, 2015. Voting began in Ivory Coast on Sunday in an election likely to give Ouattara a second term, a crucial event after a decade-long political crisis that ended in a 2011 civil war. REUTERS/Luc Gnago TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party casts his vote at a polling station during a presidential election in Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 25, 2015. Voting began in Ivory Coast on Sunday in an election likely to give Ouattara a second term, a crucial event after a decade-long political crisis that ended in a 2011 civil war. REUTERS/Luc Gnago 

Toto Amessan Jean Marie, 33, waits to start teaching at a Catholic church, where he works as a volunteer, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 20, 2015. In the five years since President Alassane Ouattara was elected, Ivory Coast has emerged from a decade-long political crisis and a 2011 civil war to become Africa's rising star. As other economies on the continent have crumbled amid a global commodities crash that has sparked capital flight and tanked currencies, Ivory Coast has posted GDP growth of around 9 percent over the past three years, according to the government. Ouattara is expected to ride the economic boom to a comfortable election victory in a poll on Sunday. But many in the West African nation complain they have been left behind and the president's critics warn that economic exclusion is undermining efforts to close the book on the years of unrest. Jean Marie holds a Masters of Law and has not been able to find a job after completing his studies. Picture taken October 20, 2015. REUTERS/Luc Gnago 

Toto Amessan Jean Marie, 33, waits to start teaching at a Catholic church, where he works as a volunteer, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 20, 2015. In the five years since President Alassane Ouattara was elected, Ivory Coast has emerged from a decade-long political crisis and a 2011 civil war to become Africa's rising star. As other economies on the continent have crumbled amid a global commodities crash that has sparked capital flight and tanked currencies, Ivory Coast has posted GDP growth of around 9 percent over the past three years, according to the government. Ouattara is expected to ride the economic boom to a comfortable election victory in a poll on Sunday. But many in the West African nation complain they have been left behind and the president's critics warn that economic exclusion is undermining efforts to close the book on the years of unrest. Jean Marie holds a Masters in Law and has not been able to find a job after completing his studies. Picture taken October 20, 2015. REUTERS/Luc Gnago 

Boua Ambrosino (C) serves a local drink at his shop in Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 20, 2015. In the five years since President Alassane Ouattara was elected, Ivory Coast has emerged from a decade-long political crisis and a 2011 civil war to become Africa's rising star. As other economies on the continent have crumbled amid a global commodities crash that has sparked capital flight and tanked currencies, Ivory Coast has posted GDP growth of around 9 percent over the past three years, according to the government. Ouattara is expected to ride the economic boom to a comfortable election victory in a poll on Sunday. But many in the West African nation complain they have been left behind and the president's critics warn that economic exclusion is undermining efforts to close the book on the years of unrest. Picture taken October 20, 2015. REUTERS/Luc Gnago 

Emmanuel Kouadio, 26, works at his barber shop in Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 20, 2015. In the five years since President Alassane Ouattara was elected, Ivory Coast has emerged from a decade-long political crisis and a 2011 civil war to become Africa's rising star. As other economies on the continent have crumbled amid a global commodities crash that has sparked capital flight and tanked currencies, Ivory Coast has posted GDP growth of around 9 percent over the past three years, according to the government. Ouattara is expected to ride the economic boom to a comfortable election victory in a poll on Sunday. But many in the West African nation complain they have been left behind and the president's critics warn that economic exclusion is undermining efforts to close the book on the years of unrest. Picture taken October 20, 2015. REUTERS/Luc Gnago 

A supporter of Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara and his party, the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), attends a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro, October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Supporters of Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara and his party, the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), dance during a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro, October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

A man walks by Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) poster during a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro, October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Supporters of Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara and his party, the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), attend a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro, October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Suporters of Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara and his party, the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), attend a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Suporters of Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara and his party, the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), attend a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party waves as he arrives for a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara (C) of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party dances during a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party waves as he arrives for a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara (C) of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party dances during a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party waves as he arrives for a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party waves as he arrives for a campaign rally at Jean Paul II space in Yamoussoukro October 9, 2015. Ouattara is heavily favoured to win re-election in the Oct. 25 ballot meant to draw a line under a decade-long crisis which ended in a civil war that killed over 3,000 people after the last presidential vote in 2010. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon.

A construction worker pulls material via a pulley at the Radisson hotel site in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 12, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe Penney TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYPICTURE 15 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A hotel worker cleans a swimming pool at the Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 11, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 13 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

A commuter van drives underneath the newly constructed Henri Konan Bedie bridge in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 11, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 12 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Construction workers direct a crane at the Radisson hotel site in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 12, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 14 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Fashion designer Loza Maleombho sits in the showroom of her clothing line in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 16, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 30 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Revelers dance in a nightclub in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 12, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 32 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

A construction worker enters an unfinished room at the Radisson hotel site in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 12, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 16 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Visual artist Yeanzi holds painting with paint made by melting plastic bags in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 14, 2015. Yeanzi's paintings address issues of Ivorian and African identity. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 29 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Chadi Srour (in white shirt), technical director of real estate company Sipim, walks at a Sipim development site with his colleagues in Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast, September 15, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 17 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

People eat and drink at an allocodrome in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 11, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 31 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

A street in the Riviera district is seen at dusk in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 12, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 33 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

An employee works at the cheese section of Hyper Hayat supermarket at the newly expanded Cap Sud shopping mall in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 14, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 25 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Patrice Assoua, manager at MZK group, a human resources consultancy, speaks to a client in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 14, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 27 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Ange Tra Bi (C), manager of MZK group, a human resources consultancy, speaks to colleagues outside the MZK office in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 14, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 26 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

People try cosmetic products at the inaugural Black Beauty Fair in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 12, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 21 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Jewellery store employees arrange their goods at a Swarovski store at the newly expanded Cap Sud shopping mall in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 14, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 24 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

A bride and groom pose for a wedding picture under a statue near the Radisson hotel construction site in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 12, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 20 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

A Woodin clothing store employee stands at the checkout counter at the newly expanded Cap Sud mall in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 14, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 23 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Fashion designer Loza Maleombho works in her office in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 16, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 28 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Women sit on a railing outside the Sococe mall in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 15, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 18 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

The Radisson hotel, under construction, is seen in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 12, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 11 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

A reflection is seen in the window of a Woodin clothing store at the newly expanded Cap Sud mall in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 14, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 22 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Women carry bricks at the construction site of real estate company Sipim in Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast, September 15, 2015. They are paid 25 West African francs (about $0.04) for each brick they carry. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 19 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Buildings are seen in the Plateau district in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 11, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 5 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

A supporter of President Alassane Ouattara holds a placard at a pre-election gathering for Ouattara in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 13, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 9 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Supporters of President Alassane Ouattara queue to enter a pre-election gathering for Ouattara in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 13, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 7 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Supporters of President Alassane Ouattara stand in front of a poster of Ouattara at a pre-election gathering for him in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 13, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 8 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

A rendering of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara is seen next to the toll gate of the newly constructed Kenri Konan Bedie bridge (not pictured) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 11, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 6 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Delegates arrive for a conference on economic growth sponsored by French newspaper Le Monde at Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 10, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 3 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

A woman sits under a palm tree at dusk after a block party in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 12, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 4 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

A luxury hotel owned by the Azalai group is seen under construction in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 11, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. PICTURE 10 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES 

Delegates arrive for a conference on economic growth sponsored by French newspaper Le Monde at Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 10, 2015. From Abidjan’s packed airport arrivals hall to the buildings mushrooming across the capital, Ivory Coast is booming, a rare African bright spot as the world’s biggest cocoa producer bounces back from a 2011 civil war. Buyers of luxury apartments include Ivorians living overseas, while promoters from Morocco, Turkey and China are attracted by tax breaks. Elections - the source of national unrest four years ago - are due in a month but there is no let-up in investment given expectations of an easy victory for incumbent Alassane Ouattara. The government predicts 9.6 percent growth this year, making the former French colony the standout performer on a continent hammered by a slump in commodity prices, capital outflows and tumbling currencies. REUTERS/Joe PenneyPICTURE 2 OF 33 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "IVORY COAST IS BOOMING". SEARCH "BOOMING PENNEY" FOR ALL IMAGES