🇨🇮Côte d'IvoireWest Africa
Forest Calling and Soundélé Konan Foundation partner for large-scale reforestation in Africa
via Abidjan.net8 min read
Environmental project developer Forest Calling and the Ivorian Soundélé Konan Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Paris on April 7, 2026. This strategic partnership aims to implement a new generation of large-scale reforestation and agroforestry projects in Côte d'Ivoire and across the African continent. Addressing the rapid degradation of West African forest ecosystems, the organizations will combine their expertise to offer solutions that balance economic viability and ecological impact. Forest Calling will serve as the technical and strategic partner, handling feasibility studies, carbon sequestration model design, and access to international financing. The Soundélé Konan Foundation, known for its work in wildlife and flora protection, will act as the on-the-ground operator and institutional liaison with Ivorian authorities. The initial three-year agreement prioritizes restoring public lands through forest concessions and national reforestation programs in Côte d'Ivoire, developing agroforestry on private lands including medicinal plants and high-value forest resources, and regional expansion through joint responses to pan-African multi-country project calls. The partnership includes flexible financing mechanisms, such as revenue sharing from carbon credits and the creation of co-investments or joint ventures. The next steps involve identifying priority pilot projects and engaging with relevant authorities. The protocol was signed by John Galloula, President
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Must ReadFrank R. Garcia, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, announced several commercial agreements between American companies and Côte d'Ivoire during his first visit to Africa. These agreements span the digital, health, education, and logistics sectors. The Ivorian government has granted final authorization to Starlink to provide high-speed internet services, utilizing American satellite technology to improve connectivity across the country, including rural areas. Additionally, American company Cybastion received approval for a $170 million project, financed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank, to build a sovereign national data center, develop a public services digitization platform, and deploy an intelligent border surveillance system. Cisco and Cybastion are also collaborating with the US Embassy to strengthen the American digital presence in Côte d'Ivoire and create jobs in both countries. In the health sector, ABD Group reached an agreement for a $293 million healthcare infrastructure project, the first major initiative from a $570 million framework agreement signed in April 2026 between the company and the Ivorian government, covering health, education, and water. For logistics, American company NTELX signed a contract with the Grand Abidjan Port-City Integration Project to deploy truck coordination technology at the Port of Abidjan to improve goods traffic flow. Garcia stated that Starlink's commercial services authorization is a significant step for conn
Sidi Touré, Vice-President of Liberal International and Minister of Animal and Fishery Resources, and Alexandra Heldt, West Africa Regional Director for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation FNF, have called for a new approach to the Africa-Europe partnership regarding migration. Speaking at the Liberal Forum for Political Dialogue in Abidjan, held from July 15-16, 2026, under the theme "Migration, security and development: rethinking the Africa-Europe partnership," they emphasized that migration should be viewed as a matter of freedom rather than solely a problem. Sidi Touré highlighted UN data indicating that migrants constitute 3.7% of the global population, with over 96% of people living in their birth countries, and noted that 70% of African migration occurs within the continent. He stressed the importance of preserving free movement, despite political divergences, particularly concerning the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS. Alexandra Heldt condemned xenophobic rhetoric in both Africa and Europe, citing violence against migrants in South Africa since 2008. She pointed out the paradox in Europe, where labor needs coexist with anti-immigration sentiment, and argued that migration fosters exchange, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Both advocated for a balanced Africa-Europe partnership founded on mobility, shared responsibility, and liberal values, urging decision-makers to focus on trust and cooperation over fear and rejection. Sidi Touré concluded by s
The Children of Africa Foundation officially launched preparations for its 10th gala dinner on Tuesday, July 15, 2026. The event, scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, aims to raise funds for the construction of the Treichville Youth Center. Nadine Sangaré, Director of the Foundation and representative of First Lady Dominique Ouattara, stated that after numerous initiatives for children and women, the Foundation recognized the importance of creating a dedicated space for youth. The project will be built on a 1.6-hectare plot in Treichville, featuring a 3,604 m² built area. It will include a library, a 1,000-seat amphitheater, cultural workshops, sports facilities such as padel and Maracana football fields, and a 210-space parking lot. Previous galas have funded major infrastructure projects, including the Bingerville Mother-Child Hospital in 2012, the Abobo School Group of Excellence in 2018, the Adiaké reception center for women victims of violence in 2022, and the new pediatric cardiology wing in 2024. The gala evening, designed by Fabrice Sawegnon of Voodoo Group, will feature artists like Dadju, MC Solaar, Magic System, and Franck Dubosc, with a menu by French chef Yannick Alléno incorporating Ivorian flavors. A raffle with a new Kia Sportage as the grand prize and an art auction will also be part of the event.