Côte d'Ivoire secures World Bank funding

Côte d'Ivoire has signed a 124.4 billion CFA franc (about 212.8 million USD) financing agreement with the International Development Association, a part of the World Bank Group. The funding is intended to support job creation efforts aimed at generating more than 3 million formal jobs by 2030.

Agreement ratified by Ivorian government

The agreement was officially ratified by the Ivorian government on October 14, 2026, following a ministerial council meeting at the presidential palace in Abidjan-Plateau. This marks a key step in implementing the country’s employment strategy.

Funding supports skills development project

The funds will be used for the first phase of the "Skills for Innovation, Resilience and Aspirations" project. This initiative aims to align training programs with the needs of the labor market, ensuring that education better matches job opportunities.

Digital platform and training investments

A key component of the project is the development of a digital platform by the National Observatory for Employment and Training (ONEF). This platform will modernize labor market information, while the Professional Training Development Fund (FDFP) will invest in training centers with modern equipment and specialized trainers.

Focus on internships and apprenticeships

The initiative also seeks to expand internship and apprenticeship opportunities for young people who are neither in school nor employed. This aims to develop their practical skills and align training more closely with employer needs.

Building on past experience

Côte d'Ivoire has prior experience in integrating vocational training with the needs of the productive sector. The "Youth Employment and Skills Development Project (PEJEDEC)" supported by the World Bank previously mobilized training, internships, and learning programs linked to the private sector.

National employment goals outlined

The government aims to increase the number of formally employed people from over 1.5 million to over 3 million by 2030. This is part of the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030, which also seeks to raise overall employment from 11.5 million to 14 million by 2030.

Current youth unemployment rate

According to the International Labour Organization, cited by the World Bank, the unemployment rate for those aged 15-24 in Côte d'Ivoire was approximately 4% in 2025. This suggests that while youth unemployment is relatively low, there is still a need for targeted job creation and skills development programs.