The World Bank Group has scheduled its Open Days for 21 and 22 September 2026 at the Patinoire of the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan, a two-day event dedicated to education, training, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Behind this initiative lies a straightforward logic: bridging the gap between young Ivorians and the programmes, projects, and funding options already operating in Côte d’Ivoire. Rather than leaving information scattered across institutions, the event concentrates it in one accessible space.
Who stands to gain from these two days
Students looking for direction, recent graduates hunting for a first job, project leaders, startup founders, and young professionals will all have the chance to engage directly with experts. The goal is to help them identify the support mechanisms that match their specific situations.
The conversations will span several core areas: education and training, employment and professional integration, entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as infrastructure and local development projects.
The root of the problem: information gaps
One of the underlying issues this event addresses is not a lack of opportunities but a lack of visibility. Many programmes exist, yet young people often do not know how to access them. That is why experts from various programmes will be on hand to explain the practical conditions for entering training and support schemes.
Entrepreneurs will also share their experiences — not only their successes but also the obstacles they encountered along the way. These testimonies offer a realistic picture of what building a career or a business in Côte d’Ivoire actually involves.
What organizers expect participants to walk away with
The ambition behind the Open Days is concrete: young visitors should leave with actionable information and clear pathways to apply for programmes, advance their projects, seek mentorship, or expand their professional networks.
The event will take place at the Patinoire of the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire. Entry is free, and no prior registration is required.
A wider context of international investment
Beyond the immediate benefits for attendees, these days also serve a broader purpose: helping the public understand how international investments contribute to Côte d’Ivoire’s development priorities, particularly in training, skills development, and youth employment integration.
