Côte d'Ivoire and US firm ABD Group sign infrastructure agreement worth over 330 billion FCFA
via Abidjan.net10 min read
The Ivorian government and ABD Group, a US company specializing in infrastructure development and investment, signed an agreement on April 16 in Washington D.C. This agreement aims to support the development and financing of a new portfolio of priority infrastructure projects valued at over 330 billion FCFA. The signing took place during the 2026 Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, at a Corporate Council on Africa roundtable. Adama Coulibaly, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Budget, and John Nevergole, CEO of ABD Group, initialed the memorandum of understanding. High-ranking officials from both governments, including US Under Secretary of Commerce David Fogel and Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Planning and Development Souleymane Diarrassouba, were present. Chargé d'Affaires Junaid Munir stated that the agreement demonstrates how US companies achieve concrete results by creating opportunities for American businesses while supporting Côte d'Ivoire's development. This memorandum builds on two bilateral frameworks: the Commercial and Investment Partnership CIP, launched in 2024, and the Technical Assistance for Bankable Infrastructure TABI initiative, in which Côte d'Ivoire is a partner country. ABD Group, present in Côte d'Ivoire for over 15 years, has developed, financed, and executed projects worth over 560 billion FCFA in sectors like health and education. With this new initiative, its total portfolio is expected to exceed 920 billion FCFA, supporting over 1,000 jobs
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Abidjan.net.
Minister Sidi Tiémoko Touré officially presented his book, "The Forgotten History of Mori Touré, the Conqueror," on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Majestic Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire. The author stated that the book originated from a recognition of the deficiencies in Ivorian historiography, particularly concerning the settlement history of certain Ivorian peoples. Through this work, he aims to fill this gap by tracing the journey of his ancestor, Mori Touré. Touré emphasized that this history is not merely familial but also national, regional, and global, seeking to reposition Mori Touré and the Djassarakan within the national narrative. The book is divided into three main parts, exploring the lineage's origins through Seydou Touré, Mori Touré's father, amidst the upheavals of the Songhai Empire. It then recounts Mori Touré's life, from his military training to the founding of Marabadjassa, before addressing the colonial period and its impact on the locality. The minister highlighted that the book challenges certain aspects of the Dendi people's migration and their spread in central Ivory Coast, while building upon the work of recognized Ivorian historians. He also underscored the richness of Ivorian cultural diversity, stating that the country's strength and stability come from its dynamic people. Finally, the author encouraged the public to engage with the work, which he believes unveils a part of Ivory Coast's settlement history and establishes the Djassarakan as an integral
Must ReadVincent Toh Bi Irié, leader of the citizen movement Aube Nouvelle, has called for a comprehensive reform of Côte d'Ivoire's Independent Electoral Commission CEI and the entire electoral system to end recurring electoral violence. In an interview with Abidjan.net on Monday, April 20, 2026, Toh Bi Irié, a former prefect, emphasized that the CEI is only one component of a broader system. He argued that effective electoral reform requires a global re-evaluation of the Constitution, electoral laws, and the roles of all institutions involved in the process. Toh Bi Irié highlighted that every major electoral cycle in Côte d'Ivoire is accompanied by tensions and violence, indicating a structural dysfunction rather than isolated failures. He stressed the need for clear, inclusive, and universally accepted constitutional rules, revised electoral legislation to enhance transparency and credibility, and rethought institutional mechanisms to prevent post-electoral disputes. Beyond violence, Toh Bi Irié also warned about declining voter participation, linking low turnout to political instability, a common issue in African history. He believes that elections marked by distrust, boycotts, or exclusions weaken the legitimacy of institutions. For Toh Bi Irié, electoral reform is not just a technical requirement but a national stability imperative, aiming to transform elections from sources of division into mechanisms for the peaceful legitimization of power. He concluded by stressing the colle
The Côte d'Ivoire Open ATP Challenger began on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Central Tennis Club of the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, with the main draw's opening day featuring competitive matches and a high level of play. Nigerian D. Adeleye, who had won against Ivorian hopeful Elijah Sanogo in the qualifiers, was defeated in the first round by Algerian Hamza Reguig with scores of 5/7, 3/6. German Jeremy Schifris delivered a controlled performance, beating Indian Aditya Vishal Balsekar 6/4, 6/4. Moroccan Younes Lalami, also from the qualifiers, showed determination to overcome Jody Maginley ANT in two sets 6/4, 7/5. The match between Aziz Dougaz and British player Paul Jubb, the fourth seed, was suspended due to rain with the score tied at 6/2, 6/7, and will be resumed. The first day suggests an intense and unpredictable tournament ahead, with promising confrontations on the Abidjan courts.
Must ReadThe pan-African organization Orun unveiled an ambitious program in Abidjan on April 17, 2026, aimed at transforming cultural and creative industries into a key driver of economic sovereignty for Africa. Launched during the African Arts and Performing Arts Market MASA, the initiative will begin in Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire, before continental deployment. A central component, presented during "Orun Day," is the creation of a creative and entrepreneurial center of excellence. This center will unite artisans, designers, researchers, and technological innovators to modernize art professions and develop local industrial sectors, particularly in textiles and crafts. Abdoulaye Diaw, Orun's Director General, stated that the project is a movement focused on human creativity and commitment for development. Orun is building this ecosystem through strategic partnerships, drawing inspiration from the research and development model of Morocco's Mohammed VI Polytechnic University to modernize artisanal practices. The initiative has received high-level political and diplomatic support, with the opening ceremony presided over by the First Lady of Côte d'Ivoire, Dominique Ouattara, and several ministers. Othman El Ferdaous, the Moroccan Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, emphasized Africa's urgent need to strengthen its creative and financial autonomy to reduce reliance on external validation. Olivia Yacé, the program's ambassador, advocated for culture to be recognized as a growth and employment engine