Côte d'Ivoire has faced persistent governance challenges that have impacted its socio-economic development. A qualitative analysis of archival documents and scholarly literature to trace the historical evolution of governance challenges. Historical records indicate that pre-colonial Ivorian societies had well-established systems of governance which were disrupted by colonial rule, leading to fragmented leadership roles and power dynamics. The historical framework reveals how colonial interventions and post-independence political maneuvering have perpetuated governance challenges in Côte d'Ivoire. Recommendation for policymakers includes a focus on education reform to foster understanding of governance structures, particularly focusing on local leadership systems that predate modern nation-states. Côte d'Ivoire, Governance Challenges, Historical Foundations