Can a $5.3 billion active portfolio really deliver three million jobs for Ivory Coast’s youth and women? That is the crucial question hanging over the World Bank Group’s first-ever open days in Abidjan, held on 21 and 22 September 2026 under the theme “Jobs and Opportunities: Building Together for Inclusive Growth”. The event brought together government officials, students, young graduates and project leaders to confront that very dilemma.
The World Bank Group’s current engagement in Ivory Coast spans 25 active projects worth a total of $5.3 billion. The figure was highlighted at the opening ceremony by Mr. Amadou Coulibaly, Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, representing Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Planning and Development and World Bank Group Governor for Ivory Coast. Several government members attended alongside Mrs. Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, World Bank Division Director for Ivory Coast, Benin, Guinea and Togo.
Over two days, students, young graduates and project holders met the teams behind projects financed by the institution, covering education, employment, entrepreneurship and infrastructure. Employment was the common thread: the National Development Plan 2026-2030 aims to create three million jobs, with priority given to young people and women.
Where the money goes: key sectors and financial commitments
Group funding covers infrastructure, agriculture, energy, education, health and human capital development. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested nearly $2.7 billion in Ivory Coast over the past five years. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) helps strengthen investor confidence.
This ongoing portfolio is distinct from the commitment announced for the coming years. At the Consultative Group for the financing of the National Development Plan 2026-2030, held in Abidjan on 8 and 9 July 2026, the World Bank Group announced a commitment of more than $17 billion: $10 billion from the World Bank, $5 billion from the IFC and $2 billion from MIGA.
Pioneering financial operations: debt swaps and sustainability loans
The partnership has also broken new ground with unprecedented financial operations in the region. In December 2024, Ivory Coast carried out, with the Group’s support, a debt-for-development swap, the first of its kind backed by the institution. Covering nearly €400 million of commercial debt, it improves the debt profile and frees up resources for education. In 2025, the country concluded West Africa’s first sustainability-linked sovereign loan, worth €433.3 million, with a dual guarantee from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and MIGA.
A partnership in motion: from open days to the next country framework
The sequence fits into a closely tracked partnership. On 10 September, Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba received in Abidjan Mr. Harold Tavares, Africa Group II Administrator on the World Bank Group’s Board of Directors. Their discussions covered the Ivorian portfolio and preparations for the next Country Partnership Framework, which is set to align with the priorities of the National Development Plan 2026-2030.
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