The upcoming International Forum for Sustainable Development (FIDD) 2026 will place ecological finance, carbon markets, and innovative business prospects at the center of its agenda. Tra Bi Michael, the event’s General Commissioner, shared these details during an introductory press conference held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in Cocody.

Scheduled for October 13 and 14, 2026, at the CGECI headquarters in Plateau, this major gathering is set to welcome over 3,000 attendees, dozens of specialists, and delegates from various nations. The central theme of this edition will focus on transforming business frameworks to foster responsible growth through innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Driving competitiveness through green investments

The initiative aims to redefine eco-friendly practices as essential drivers of commercial value and competitiveness. Organizers are focusing on unlocking green funding, securing access to global climate funds, and advancing carbon trading networks, while actively connecting international investors with regional economic players.

During his address, Tra Bi Michael outlined the core strategies of the forum, which is designed to serve as a collaborative bridge between public authorities, private corporations, financial backers, civil society groups, and project developers. Sessions will address high-impact industries, including the circular economy, corporate social responsibility, carbon footprint management, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable agricultural systems.

A diverse program to foster ecological employment

Attendees can look forward to a dynamic schedule featuring panel discussions, specialized workshops, masterclasses, and exhibitions. The event will also host an innovation competition, targeted B2B networking opportunities, and a dedicated job fair designed to connect young professionals with companies operating in the ecological transition sector. These business-to-business sessions will allow pioneering entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas directly to prospective investors.

Speakers at the launch event emphasized that environmental preservation must go hand in hand with economic progress rather than opposing it. The Director of Green Economy and CSR at the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition noted that the goal is to reshape how businesses operate rather than halting commercial activities. For instance, the devastating impact of illegal gold mining was highlighted, an issue that drains approximately 46 billion FCFA annually from the economy while causing severe ecological and social damage.

Fostering regional collaboration across West Africa

Education and employment are also central pillars of this event. The ecological shift is viewed as a major catalyst for generating new career paths and professional opportunities for African youth. With delegates expected from Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic, the forum aims to strengthen cross-border partnerships and sustainable economic models. Ultimately, the goal is to establish ecological responsibility as a powerful engine for funding, job creation, and economic expansion throughout the continent.