The High Representative of the President of the Republic, Gilbert Kafana Koné, called on the Ivorian diaspora to explore opportunities for collaboration with institutions and businesses, forge partnerships with local authorities, and actively participate in the dynamic transformation and progress of Côte d’Ivoire.

Representing President Alassane Ouattara, he presided over the official opening of the 4th edition of the Ivorian Diaspora Forum on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in Yamoussoukro. This year’s forum, co-organized by the Senate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was held under the theme "Territorial Attractiveness and Support Mechanisms for the Diaspora for Côte d’Ivoire’s Sustainable Development."

“Dear compatriots in the diaspora, today more than ever, Côte d’Ivoire, our country, needs you. Your skills and experiences are vital to overcoming the challenges ahead and building a brighter future for all our citizens. I urge you to continue your efforts, remain committed to the development of your country, and work for a fairer, more united, and more prosperous world,” he stated.

He added, “You are also our ambassadors, contributing to building a modern, innovative, and outward-looking Côte d’Ivoire. Your country needs your expertise to strengthen strategic sectors such as agriculture, new technologies, infrastructure, and education.”

He assured the diaspora of the availability and commitment of the President of the Republic and the government to support diaspora-led projects and integrate them fully into the national development vision.

The President of the Senate, Kandia Kamissoko Camara, emphasized that the two-day forum aims to encourage diaspora investments in local territories, promote entrepreneurship, and harness the human and technological capital possessed by Ivorians living abroad.

Foreign Affairs Minister Léon Kacou Adom revealed that approximately 1,240,000 Ivorians reside abroad. He noted that financial inflows from the diaspora to Côte d’Ivoire in 2023 reached about $1.042 billion, equivalent to over 640 billion FCFA. This figure stood at nearly 190 billion FCFA in 2019 and 99.5 billion FCFA in 2008.