The upcoming International Forum for Sustainable Development (FIDD) 2026 will put a strong spotlight on green finance, carbon credits, and ecological innovation. This was announced during a launch press conference held in Cocody, led by the forum’s General Commissioner, Tra Bi Michael.
An ambitious gathering for green growth
Scheduled to take place on October 13 and 14, 2026, at the CGECI headquarters in Plateau, the forum is set to welcome over 3,000 attendees, dozens of specialists, and international delegates. The central theme for this edition is “Sustainable Development, Innovation and Competitiveness: transforming economic models for responsible growth.”
The event aims to establish eco-friendly practices as essential drivers of corporate competitiveness and economic value. Organizers intend to accelerate the mobilization of green investments, improve access to climate funds, and foster the expansion of carbon markets, while bridging the gap between global financiers and local businesses.
A diverse program of panels and networking
During the media briefing, Tra Bi Michael outlined the strategic vision for the forum, which is designed to serve as a major matchmaking and dialogue platform. It will bring together public authorities, private enterprises, financial backers, experts, civil society organizations, and project developers.
Discussions will span several high-potential sectors:
- Green and circular economies
- Sustainable finance and corporate social responsibility (CSR)
- Carbon footprint management and carbon trading
- Human capital development and green skills
- Technological innovation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence
- Sustainable agribusiness
To achieve these goals, the schedule features a variety of activities, including interactive panels, specialized workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions, an innovation contest, targeted B2B matchmaking sessions, and a job dating event specifically tailored to connect young talents with companies in the ecological transition sector.
Transforming economic models for the future
The forum also aims to establish a highly productive business environment. Through the planned B2B meetings, innovative entrepreneurs will have the chance to pitch to investors and explore fresh financing routes.
Speakers emphasized that economic progress and environmental preservation should not be viewed as conflicting goals. The Director of Green Economy and CSR at the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition pointed out that the objective is not to halt industrial activities, but rather to revolutionize how they operate.
In this context, the destructive impact of illegal gold mining was highlighted, which drains an estimated 46 billion FCFA annually from the economy, alongside devastating environmental and social consequences.
Education and employment also remain central pillars of the event. The organizers strongly believe that the transition to a green economy offers massive potential for creating new career paths and securing a better future for African youth.
With delegations expected from countries such as Mali, Guinea, Sénégal, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic, the FIDD 2026 seeks to foster deep regional cooperation around sustainable investments and resilient economic frameworks.
