On October 7, 2026, Abidjan hosted a significant event celebrating the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (Itec) program. Dr. S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, attended the Itec Day 2026 celebrations, marking his first visit to Côte d'Ivoire. During his address, Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of capacity building and strengthening partnerships between Côte d'Ivoire and India. He encouraged the alumni of the Itec program to utilize their acquired skills to foster and maintain sustainable relationships between the two nations.
Dr. Jaishankar was accompanied by the new Indian Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Son Excellence Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, and several other dignitaries. The minister highlighted the significance of the Itec program in promoting institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, and access to new technologies. He stressed that the training programs should not only focus on acquiring skills but also aim to establish lasting partnerships and strengthen ties between the people of both countries.
The Itec program has been instrumental in providing opportunities for Côte d'Ivoire's citizens to acquire new skills and expertise. Dr. Koffi N'Guessan, Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of National Education, Literacy, and Technical Education, expressed his gratitude for the annual provision of 100 training scholarships under the Itec program. These scholarships benefit cadres and technicians from the public and private sectors, contributing to the development of Côte d'Ivoire's human capital.
Dr. Koffi N'Guessan emphasized that investing in human capital is crucial for building a better future. He proposed strengthening the training of English language teachers in India and leveraging Indian technological expertise to accelerate the digitalization of Côte d'Ivoire's education system. The minister's suggestions reflect the government's commitment to enhancing the quality of education and preparing the workforce for the challenges of the future.
The Itec Day 2026 celebrations also featured testimonials from alumni who shared their experiences and the impact of the program on their lives. These stories highlighted the tangible outcomes of the cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and India. The event demonstrated the shared conviction that sustainable cooperation can be achieved through the sharing of expertise, skills, and the establishment of strong human and institutional relationships.
Dr. Jaishankar reiterated the importance of nurturing relationships and encouraged the alumni to stay in touch. He emphasized that while new technologies facilitate communication, they should not replace human connections. The minister's visit and address underscored India's commitment to deepening its engagement with Côte d'Ivoire and other partner countries.
The cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and India is poised to expand, with a focus on capacity building, technology transfer, and institutional strengthening. The two countries aim to consolidate their partnership, fostering mutual growth and development. Key initiatives, such as the Itec program, will continue to play a vital role in promoting cooperation and understanding between the nations.
Key points
- Dr. S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, visited Côte d'Ivoire to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, focusing on capacity building and sustainable partnerships.
- The Indian government provides 100 annual training scholarships to Côte d'Ivoire under the Itec program, benefiting cadres and technicians from the public and private sectors.
- Côte d'Ivoire and India aim to expand their cooperation, with a focus on capacity building, technology transfer, and institutional strengthening.
