Is the World Bank’s $5.3 billion active portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire enough to turn the country’s employment ambitions into reality? That is the question hanging over Abidjan this week as the institution opened its doors to students, young graduates, and project leaders for the first-ever World Bank Group Open Days.
The event, held on 21 and 22 September 2026, brought together government officials, World Bank staff, and hundreds of young Ivorians under the theme “Jobs and Opportunities: Building Together for Inclusive Growth.” At the heart of the discussions: how to create three million jobs by 2030, with young people and women first in line.
A $5.3 billion portfolio on the table
The World Bank Group’s ongoing commitments in Côte d’Ivoire currently span 25 projects, representing a total envelope of $5.3 billion. The figure was highlighted during the opening ceremony by Amadou Coulibaly, Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, who represented Dr Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Planning and Development and World Bank Governor for Côte d’Ivoire.
Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, World Bank Division Director for Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, and Togo, joined several government members at the launch. Over the two days, participants met the teams behind projects covering education, employment, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure.
Where the money goes
World Bank Group financing in the country stretches across infrastructure, agriculture, energy, education, health, and human capital development. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested close to $2.7 billion in Côte d’Ivoire over the past five years. Meanwhile, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) works to bolster investor confidence.
Present commitments versus future promises
It is important to distinguish the active portfolio from the much larger engagement announced for the years ahead. During the Consultative Group meeting on financing the National Development Plan 2026-2030, held in Abidjan on 8 and 9 July 2026, the World Bank Group unveiled a commitment exceeding $17 billion: $10 billion from the World Bank, $5 billion from the IFC, and $2 billion from MIGA.
That $17 billion figure is a forward-looking pledge, not money already on the ground. The $5.3 billion portfolio is what is currently being deployed.
Innovative financial deals set a regional precedent
The partnership has also produced groundbreaking financial operations for the region. In December 2024, Côte d’Ivoire completed a debt-for-development swap with the World Bank Group’s support — the first of its kind backed by the institution. The operation covered nearly €400 million in commercial debt, improving the country’s debt profile and freeing up resources for education.
In 2025, the country closed the first sustainability-linked sovereign loan in West Africa, worth €433.3 million, with a dual guarantee from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and MIGA.
Keeping the partnership on track
These developments follow a series of high-level exchanges. On 10 September, Dr Souleymane Diarrassouba received Harold Tavares, World Bank Group Executive Director for Africa Group II, in Abidjan. Their talks focused on the Ivorian portfolio and preparations for the next Country Partnership Framework, which will align with the priorities of the National Development Plan 2026-2030.
As the Open Days wrap up, the key question remains: can this $5.3 billion active portfolio, combined with future commitments, genuinely create three million jobs? For the young Ivorians who filled the event halls, the answer will be measured in opportunities, not announcements.
