On September 23, 2026, Épiphane Zoro Bi Ballo, president of Cote d'Ivoire's Haute autorité pour la bonne gouvernance (HABG), encouraged young Ivoiriens to tap into climate finance opportunities. Speaking at a youth climate finance day event in Abidjan, he emphasized that climate finance is not just for large institutions, but also for young entrepreneurs, innovators, and engineers. The event, organized by the Fondation pour la Culture et l'Éducation in partnership with HABG, brought together various stakeholders to discuss climate change, sustainable development, and available opportunities.
The event, themed "Jeunesse face aux changements climatiques en Côte d'Ivoire: comprendre les enjeux, saisir les opportunités et agir pour un développement durable" (Youth facing climate change in Cote d'Ivoire: understanding challenges, seizing opportunities, and acting for sustainable development), featured project presentations, a roundtable discussion, and a participatory climate and biodiversity fresco. Zoro Bi Ballo highlighted that the transition to a green economy offers numerous opportunities for young people, particularly in waste management, clean energy, resilient agriculture, recycling, circular economy, and environmental services.
Zoro Bi Ballo stressed the importance of young people strengthening their knowledge of climate change and climate finance mechanisms, as well as developing their capacity to transform ideas into structured and economically viable projects. He also emphasized the link between ecological transition and good governance, stating that climate change funding must be effectively allocated to designated projects. According to him, sustainable development cannot be achieved without sustainable governance.
The event also saw the presentation of five youth-led projects that were selected to receive subsidies of up to 2 million CFA francs. These projects focus on climate-resilient agriculture, ecological solutions, and other transition-related initiatives. The projects will be implemented with the support of various partners, including the Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Ecological Transition, as well as the Fondation pour la Culture et l'Éducation.
Oscar Kévin Koffi, secretary-general of the Fondation pour la Culture et l'Éducation, explained that the initiative aims to introduce young people to climate sector opportunities, particularly in climate finance and job creation. The foundation seeks to contribute to the development of a more sustainable and inclusive Ivoirian economy.
The projects presented will contribute to building a greener, more inclusive, and resilient Ivoirian economy. The HABG and its partners are committed to supporting young entrepreneurs and innovators in their efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development.
The youth climate finance day event demonstrates Cote d'Ivoire's efforts to engage young people in climate action and promote sustainable development. By providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators, the government and its partners aim to foster a more sustainable and environmentally conscious economy.
Key points
- Épiphane Zoro Bi Ballo urges young Ivoiriens to explore climate finance opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation.
- Five youth-led projects selected to receive subsidies for climate-resilient initiatives.
- The event aims to contribute to building a greener, more inclusive, and resilient Ivoirian economy.
