Côte d’Ivoire hosts diaspora forum to encourage investment

Côte d’Ivoire organized the “Grand retour de la diaspora” forum to support citizens living abroad who wish to return to the country to establish businesses and permanent residences. The event, which included an economic day on October 24, 2026, provided approximately fifty participants from various countries the opportunity to engage directly with local institutional and private sector actors.

The initiative aims to transform the desire to return into operational action plans by providing structured guidance and reducing barriers to settlement. Organizer Esther Boua noted that the week-long event allows participants to meet with various institutions to develop concrete plans.

Participants expressed interest in contributing to the national economy, citing Côte d’Ivoire’s growth rate, which exceeds 6% annually according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) data. Attendees highlighted opportunities to apply international expertise, particularly in technology, to support the country’s development.