Abidjan launched, on Wednesday May 7, 2026, the “Diaspora for Growth 2026” forum, an international event aimed at strengthening ties between Côte d’Ivoire and its diaspora. Led by the Ivorian government, this initiative highlights the strategic role of Ivorians in the diaspora in financing, innovation, and the country’s economic development. The event will continue on June 26 and 27 in Paris, where more than 1,000 participants from around the world are expected to gather.
The Diaspora for Growth 2026 forum was officially launched this Wednesday, May 7, in Abidjan under the leadership of the Ivorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in charge of African Integration and Ivorians Abroad. Scheduled for June 26 and 27, 2026 in Paris, this international forum aims to strengthen bridges between Côte d’Ivoire and its diaspora, now seen as a key player in the country’s economic transformation. Through this initiative, the Ivorian authorities intend to mobilize the diaspora’s skills, investments, and networks to support the country’s ambitions for growth, innovation, and regional influence.
In 2008, financial remittances from Ivorians living abroad amounted to 99.5 billion CFA francs. In 2019, they reached 190 billion CFA francs. In 2023, they crossed a historic milestone, rising to 640 billion CFA francs, or more than one billion US dollars. More recently, in 2024, this flow saw remarkable growth, reaching around 840 billion CFA francs, representing an increase of more than 540% over 15 years. Today, these flows exceed several sector-based official development assistance programs.
Adama Dosso, Minister Delegate in charge of African Integration and Ivorians Abroad
During the launch ceremony of the forum, the organizers highlighted the strategic importance of the Ivorian diaspora, estimated at more than 1.2 million people spread across over 140 countries. A true economic driver, this community transferred nearly 938.8 billion CFA francs to Côte d’Ivoire in 2025, making a significant contribution to household financing and productive investment. The forum aims to bring together more than 1,000 participants, 90% of whom are from the diaspora, including entrepreneurs, investors, students, executives, start-ups, financial institutions, and associations committed to the economic development of Côte d’Ivoire and Africa.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Ivorian diaspora today constitutes one of the essential pillars of our country’s influence and development. Through its presence in major global economies, the richness of its skills, and its capacity for investment, it represents a structuring force that we must better organize and leverage. Indeed, in 2024, financial flows from our compatriots living abroad reached an estimated 840 billion CFA francs.
Coumba Dioukhane, CEO, Global View Africa
Under the theme of collaboration, inspiration, and transformation, this international gathering will feature technical conferences, thematic panels, interactive workshops, and networking sessions focused on issues related to investment, skills transfer, innovation, and diaspora governance. Through three major objectives, transforming the diaspora’s potential, reconnecting Ivorian talent around the world, and building an open and innovative governance framework, “Diaspora for Growth 2026” aims to create a sustainable platform for cooperation in order to strengthen the contribution of Ivorians abroad to the economic and social development of Côte d’Ivoire.
