
Fatim Cissé, Director General of IHC Tower, has been officially named the sponsor of the 9th graduating class in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute INP-HB in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire. The ceremony, held on April 17, 2026, also celebrated the graduation of over 60 students from various programs, including the 6th and 7th cohorts of Data Science, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence, as well as the 1st and 2nd cohorts of Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. Cissé expressed pride in the institute's progress and its continental influence, committing to support young talents and encourage them to pursue careers in these promising fields. Dr. Ouattara Dongui, representing the Minister of Planning and Development, congratulated the graduates and emphasized the importance of excellence for national development. The graduates, through their representative Ms. Kouao, thanked the authorities, instructors, and partner institutions for their support.
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Must ReadCôte d'Ivoire concluded its participation in the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings with over 800 million dollars 446 billion FCFA in development commitments. Adama Coulibaly, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Budget and head of the Ivorian delegation, described the outcome as "promising," highlighting strategic agreements and growing international investor interest. Ministers Souleymane Diarrassouba Planning and Development and Sangafowa Coulibaly Mines, Petroleum, and Energy joined him in emphasizing Côte d'Ivoire's strong macroeconomic framework and renewed confidence from technical and financial partners. The country's economic performance, including an estimated 6.6% growth in 2025, controlled inflation between 1% and 3%, budget consolidation around 3.7%, and eight months of import reserves, positions it as a dynamic economy within the West African Economic and Monetary Union. Investor and financial institution discussions confirmed Côte d'Ivoire's attractiveness, with many investors expressing interest in its promising market. International banks also committed to financing structural projects, particularly within the upcoming National Development Plan 2026-2030, which garnered significant interest from American entrepreneurs. Key achievements include a memorandum of intent with ABD Group for an initial financing of at least 500 million euros for social sectors like health, education, and water. Another major step was the signing of the second Mi
Must ReadPrime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé met with a delegation from the Green Climate Fund GCF, led by Catherine Koffman, GCF Director General for Africa, on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Abidjan. The meeting, also attended by Ivorian Minister of Environment Abou Bamba, focused on the next steps for establishing the GCF's regional office in Abidjan, particularly discussions regarding the headquarters agreements. Catherine Koffman stated that the discussions covered investment priorities, climate finance, and the operationalization of the GCF's presence in Abidjan. She noted that 18 approved projects, totaling approximately 190 million dollars, directly or indirectly benefit Côte d'Ivoire, though she acknowledged this is modest compared to the country's needs and the impacts of climate change. Koffman also mentioned a project nearing finalization for the construction of a photovoltaic power plant in Côte d'Ivoire and discussed grants provided to strengthen national institutions' capacity in formulating and implementing climate projects. The GCF chose Abidjan as the location for its African regional office during its 44th Board meeting held from March 25 to 28, 2026, in South Korea.

The official draw for the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026 took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Paris. Côte d'Ivoire, placed in Group A of the women's tournament alongside France, Thailand, and Costa Rica, is seeking another world title, according to a statement from Special Olympics Côte d'Ivoire released on Friday, April 17, 2026. As the reigning world champions from the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Côte d'Ivoire approaches this competition with ambition and determination. The Ivorian women's team, with its experience and talent, intends to confirm its status on the international stage and return to the Ébrié Lagoon with the trophy. The World Cup, scheduled from July 6 to 11, 2026, in Paris, will feature 24 teams 12 men's and 12 women's, comprising athletes with and without intellectual disabilities. Matches will be held at Stade Charléty and the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, fostering an atmosphere of inclusive sports celebration. The event will bring together over 500 athletes, their families, and hundreds of volunteers, promoting a spirit of sharing, solidarity, and inclusion. Côte d'Ivoire's objective in this competition is to make history and affirm its global leadership in unified football. Unified football promotes inclusive sports practice by integrating people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team.
Must ReadPope Leo XIV celebrated a large-scale mass in Douala on Friday, April 17, 2026. The event was covered by AFPTV and published on Abidjan.net.