Thiam actively promoted an extensive privatisation programme which saw, between 1994 and 1999, Côte d'Ivoire lead African countries by privatising its telephone, services, electric power generation, airports, railways and many companies in the agricultural sector. In 1998, the World Economic Forum in Davos named him as one of the annual 100 Global Leaders for Tomorrow, and in 1999 the Forum named him a member of the Dream Cabinet.
Thiam spearheaded a significant privatization initiative that resulted in Côte d'Ivoire becoming a leader among African nations in privatizing its telecommunications, power generation, airports, railways, and numerous agricultural companies between 1994 and 1999. He was recognized by the World Economic Forum in Davos as one of the top 100 Global Leaders for Tomorrow in 1998 and a member of the Dream Cabinet in 1999.