Green finance and ecological transition at the heart of FIDD 2026
The upcoming International Sustainable Development Forum (FIDD) 2026 will place green financing, carbon credits, innovation, and business opportunities at the center of its agenda. This was announced during a launch press conference held in Cocody, led by the forum’s general commissioner, Tra Bi Michael.
Scheduled for October 13 and 14, 2026, at the CGECI headquarters in Plateau, this major event is expected to draw more than 3,000 attendees, dozens of experts, and delegates from across the region. Under the theme “Sustainable Development, Innovation and Competitiveness: transforming economic models for responsible growth,” the gathering aims to redefine economic progress.
A strategic platform for regional partnerships
The forum is designed to position eco-friendly practices as essential drivers of competitiveness and wealth creation. Organizers aim to boost the mobilization of green funds, improve access to international climate finance, and advance the regional carbon market. Additionally, it will serve as a matchmaking platform connecting local economic actors with global investors.
Tra Bi Michael outlined the core objectives of this edition, describing it as a vital hub for dialogue between state authorities, private enterprises, financial backers, experts, civil society groups, and project developers.
Discussions will focus on high-potential sectors such as the circular economy, green finance, corporate social responsibility (CSR), carbon footprint reduction, green skills, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and sustainable agribusiness.
Fostering innovation and youth employment
An interactive program has been designed to engage participants through expert panels, practical workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions, and an innovation challenge. Furthermore, targeted business-to-business (B2B) networking sessions and a dedicated job dating event will connect young African talents with companies operating in the ecological transition sector.
This initiative aims to establish a fertile ground for business expansion. The planned B2B meetings will allow forward-thinking entrepreneurs to present their projects directly to investors, opening up new avenues for funding and strategic alliances.
Balancing economic growth and environmental preservation
Speakers at the launch emphasized the importance of evolving current business models rather than viewing environmental protection as an obstacle to progress. The Director of Green Economy and CSR at the Ministry of the Environment and Ecological Transition noted that the goal is not to halt economic activities, but to reform how they are conducted.
The pressing challenge of illegal gold mining was also highlighted. This illicit activity costs the economy an estimated 46 billion FCFA annually, alongside devastating ecological and social consequences.
Education and employment remain central pillars of the forum. Organizers believe the ecological transition represents a massive reservoir of new career paths and economic opportunities for the youth across the continent.
With delegations expected from countries including Mali, Guinea, Sénégal, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic, FIDD 2026 is set to strengthen regional cooperation on green investments and sustainable economic frameworks. Ultimately, the organizers intend to leverage sustainable development in West Africa as a powerful catalyst for funding, technological innovation, job creation, and overall economic growth.