The 7th edition of Côte d'Ivoire's Social Round is set to take place from December 1 to 6, 2026, in the Denguélé District. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Employment, Social Protection, and Professional Training, aims to bring social services closer to the population, promote professional training, and strengthen social protection mechanisms. The event will be held in Odienné, Minignan, and Gbélégban, targeting vulnerable populations.

A preparatory mission, led by the Ministry's Director of Communication, has been completed in Minignan. The mission aimed to establish the organizational foundations for the event, engaging with local authorities, traditional leaders, and community representatives. Discussions focused on identifying priority needs, selecting activity sites, and mobilizing beneficiaries. The mission also evaluated local needs for professional training, with the goal of proposing adapted training programs.

The 7th Social Round prioritizes improving access to social protection mechanisms. The event aims to encourage regular contribution payments to various social regimes, including the Universal Health Coverage (CMU) and the Social Regime for Independent Workers (RSTI). The Ministry will also promote the benefits of complementary retirement for civil servants and state agents. The goal is to foster a culture of social prudence, shifting from mere enrollment to regular contributions.

The event's program is diverse, featuring social, health, professional, sports, and cultural activities for various population categories. A Social Protection Village will serve as a primary information and awareness hub. The program includes screening operations, social device enrollments, and distributions of "Paniers du Cœur" (Heart Baskets). Specific meetings are planned with various socio-professional categories, such as civil servants, defense and security forces, and artisans.

The professional training component will be strengthened through sessions tailored to identified regional needs. Additional activities include maracana tournaments, games, and cultural events. The event will also feature the distribution of wheelchairs and equipment to improve the daily lives of elderly and disabled individuals. This focus on social inclusion aligns with the International Days of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities.

Several high-profile figures from institutional, political, sports, and cultural spheres are expected to attend the event. Government members, technical and financial partners, elected officials, regional cadres, international footballers, artists, and social actors will participate. This mobilization aims to increase the event's visibility and reinforce its territorial anchoring.

The 7th Social Round seeks to create a space for encounters and sharing around solidarity, social cohesion, and mutual aid values. Odienné, Minignan, and Gbélégban will be the main hubs for this proximity operation, targeting a wide range of beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable populations. With the preparatory mission completed, the event's organization enters a decisive phase.

Key points

  • The 7th Social Round aims to strengthen social protection mechanisms and promote professional training in Odienné, Minignan, and Gbélégban.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.