Green finance, carbon credits, and business innovation will take center stage at the upcoming International Forum for Sustainable Development (FIDD) 2026. The launch of this major event was officially announced during a press conference in Cocody on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, led by the forum’s general commissioner, Tra Bi Michael.
An ambitious gathering for responsible growth
Scheduled for October 13 and 14, 2026, at the CGECI headquarters in Plateau, the FIDD 2026 expects to welcome more than 3,000 participants, dozens of experts, and delegates from several nations. This year, the central theme will be “Sustainable Development, Innovation and Competitiveness: transforming economic models for responsible growth.”
The primary goal of this gathering is to establish ecological transition as a key driver of economic competitiveness and value creation. Organizers aim to mobilize green funding, improve access to climate funds, expand the carbon market, and foster direct connections between local businesses and international investors.
Key sectors and innovative programs
During the launch event, Tra Bi Michael outlined the main objectives of the forum, which is designed to serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue. It will bring together public authorities, private enterprises, financial institutions, experts, civil society groups, and project leaders.
Discussions will focus on high-potential areas, including:
- The green and circular economy
- Green finance and corporate social responsibility (CSR)
- Carbon footprint management and carbon markets
- Human capital development and ecological skills
- Digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and technology
- Sustainable agribusiness
The event schedule features interactive panels, specialized workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions, and an innovation challenge. Additionally, targeted B2B networking sessions and a dedicated job dating event will connect young African talents with companies operating in the ecological transition sector.
Transforming economic models in West Africa
A major focus of the forum is to encourage a shift in business operations without compromising economic progress. The Director of Green Economy and CSR from the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition pointed out that the goal is not to halt business activities, but rather to redesign how they function to protect the environment.
The critical issue of illegal gold mining was also highlighted during the press conference. This illicit activity costs the economy an estimated 46 billion FCFA annually, while causing severe environmental degradation and social disruption.
With delegates expected from Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic, FIDD 2026 seeks to strengthen regional integration. By sharing strategies and promoting green investments, the forum aims to position sustainable development as a powerful catalyst for job creation, innovation, and long-term economic growth across Africa.