🇨🇮Côte d'IvoireWest Africa
Ivory Coast launches first National Technical Education Exhibition to boost industrialization
via Abidjan.net9 min read
The first National Technical Education Exhibition SNET opened on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Abidjan-Cocody Technical High School. The event, themed "Technical Education, a lever for the Industrialization of Ivory Coast," was presided over by Vice-Prime Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara, representing Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé. Several government members attended, highlighting a unified governmental approach. The SNET aims to be a bridge between students and future industry, promoting technical professions, supporting businesses, and aligning training with labor market needs. Vice-Prime Minister Ouattara stated that SNET 2026 aligns with President Alassane Ouattara's vision and the priorities of the National Development Program PND 2026-2030, which focuses on human capital development for inclusive and sustainable growth. Jean-Louis Moulot, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Education, Literacy, and Technical Education, and organizer of SNET, emphasized the goal of repositioning technical education within the educational and productive system, aiming to increase the percentage of students in technical education from 5% to 15% by 2030. Mamadou Touré, Minister of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service, co-patron of the ceremony, pledged support for strategies to address youth integration and reduce unemployment. The event included the signing of the Industry-Technical and Vocational Education Pact PIETP and a visit to the stands by th
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Traoré Moussa dedicated his new book, "Houphouët-Boigny, the unknown side," on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Maison de la Presse in Plateau. This 245-page monograph, the author's fourth work, aims to offer a nuanced re-examination of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the founding father of modern Côte d'Ivoire. Literary critics, academics, political figures, and associates of the late president attended the ceremony, praising the work for its departure from conventional narratives. Literary critic Honorat De Yedagne encouraged attendees to look beyond the image of the nation's father and explore lesser-known aspects of his life. Professor Josué Guébo highlighted the book's depth and the author's methodology, noting that it draws on Traoré Moussa's field experience and network to present a vivid and embodied memory. Structured into eight main parts, the book recounts a hundred stories that are considered essential to understanding the man. The result of nearly a decade of research, the work is based on thorough investigation and diverse testimonies. The author acknowledged the crucial collaboration of the Houphouët-Boigny family in gathering these previously untold stories. In the preface, Minister of Communication Amadou Coulibaly lauded the book as a significant contribution to national history, stating that it "awakens the history of the founding father of modern Côte d'Ivoire" and reveals "the other Houphouët, the human, away from the spotlight." Oumou Diallo, the ceremony's patr
Must ReadThe Ivorian firm Divam officially launched "Divam Ubuntu AI" on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Marcory. This platform and certifying program aims to democratize artificial intelligence AI in Africa by training a new generation of talent to integrate these technologies into the continent's realities. "Divam Ubuntu AI" seeks to make AI accessible, practical, and responsible for African professionals, students, and organizations. This initiative follows the deployment of Divam Ubuntu AI Corporate, which was launched in late 2025 to support businesses, institutions, and ecosystems in designing and implementing high-impact AI projects. The platform offers an intensive four-week certifying program with a hybrid format, including video capsules, live interactive sessions, case studies, and a final project, for cohorts of 100 to 500 participants. The program's objective is to enable learners to master AI fundamentals, explore its practical applications in Africa, and understand its ethical implications. During the launch, various use cases were highlighted, such as automation and customer service in businesses, e-governance and fraud prevention in public services, and applications in health, agriculture, and commerce. Leila Dosso, representing the Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service, praised the initiative for creating opportunities for young Africans and strengthening their skills. Mohamed Diaby, director of Divam, stated the initiative's ambition is
The Société Ivoirienne de Banque SIB hosted a high-level meeting on April 16, 2026, with corporate clients and partners from the mining, energy, and hydrocarbons sectors at Palais WIA. This event aimed to foster strategic dialogue and co-construction amidst significant transformations in extractive and energy industries, particularly concerning energy transition, financing structures, and increased demands for performance and sustainability. Mohamed El Ghazi, SIB's Director General, reiterated the bank's vision to be a strategic partner, emphasizing its commitment to supporting these vital sectors for the country's economic development. Yeo Bakary, Deputy Director General for Commercial Affairs, highlighted the bank's evolving relational model, focusing on enhanced client proximity and tailored solutions. Marc Bogler, Director of the Corporate Market, explained the bank's sector-specific approach to address the unique needs of these industries. Hassim Diarrassouba, Director of Specialized Financial Services, underscored SIB's engineering capabilities in providing customized and robust financial solutions aligned with international standards. The meeting facilitated active listening, experience sharing, and identifying new collaboration opportunities. SIB, a subsidiary of Attijariwafa bank since 2009, operates across Côte d'Ivoire with over 1000 employees, offering a range of products and services to individuals, businesses, institutions, and the Ivorian state.
BreakingFighting was reported on Saturday on the outskirts of Mali's capital, Bamako, and in several locations in the country's interior. The Malian army announced in a statement that "unidentified armed terrorist groups" attacked military barracks and other sites in the capital and inland early on April 25, 2026. Witnesses had previously reported assaults in various areas. In Bamako, streets were deserted, and intermittent explosions were heard around 9:00 AM local and GMT time, particularly near the 101 Senou base, which is also close to the airport. Helicopters were also seen flying over the capital. Intense gunfire was also heard in Kati, a town near Bamako that houses the residence of junta leader General Assimi Goïta, according to witnesses, a security source, and an elected official. Residents of Kati and the airport area posted images of damaged homes on social media, with one resident stating, "In Kati, we are still holed up." These attacks had not been claimed as of Saturday. Beyond Bamako and Kati, gunfire was also reported early Saturday in Gao, the largest city in northern Mali, Kidal in the same region, and Sévaré. Mali, a Sahelian country led by a junta, has faced over a decade of conflict and jihadist violence. The country has been led by military regimes since two coups in 2020 and 2021. Since 2012, Mali has been grappling with a severe security crisis fueled by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as community criminal groups and s