Highlighting the Ivory Coast Event: A Gathering of Ideas and Innovations
By Abdalla Sharief, Hedi Bousnina, Jakob Staubmann 11/04/2025
Introduction to the Event
The Ivory Coast event, scheduled for April 10, 2025, promises to be a landmark occasion that emphasizes the exchange of innovative ideas and collaborative efforts across various industries. This gathering is not just a celebration of creativity and technological advancements but also a platform designed to promote essential dialogue among stakeholders in the region. By bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers, the event aims to foster an environment conducive to sharing knowledge and best practices.
The significance of such an event cannot be overstated. As Ivory Coast continues to grow as a hub for entrepreneurial ventures and technological advancements, it becomes increasingly crucial to facilitate discussions that can lead to transformative changes in various sectors. The central theme of the gathering revolves around ‘Innovating for Sustainable Development,’ highlighting the pressing need for solutions that are not only effective but also environmentally and socially responsible. This theme underscores the commitment of the Ivory Coast to align with global sustainability goals while fostering economic growth.
Keynote Address and Welcoming Notes
At the onset of the Ivory Coast Event, Mr. Yann Huguenard delivered an insightful keynote address, which not only welcomed attendees but also established the thematic focus of the gathering. Emphasizing the event’s primary objectives, Mr. Huguenard articulated the necessity of fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, from industry leaders to academic experts. By highlighting the event as a platform for exchanging ideas and innovations, he underscored the importance of collective problem-solving in today’s rapidly evolving environment.
Throughout his address, Mr. Huguenard conveyed a sense of urgency regarding the need for strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing among participants. He pointed out that the complexities of contemporary challenges demand innovative solutions, best developed through a convergence of perspectives. The emphasis on inclusivity resonated strongly with the audience, as he aptly noted that every voice counts in the quest for sustainable development and technological advancements.
Additionally, Ms. Hawa Kebe assumed a pivotal role as the moderator of the event, guiding discussions with her expertise and understanding of various sectors represented. Her presence not only complemented Mr. Huguenard’s welcoming notes but also instilled confidence in participants, creating an atmosphere ripe for meaningful dialogue. The combination of a strong opener and a seasoned moderator set a collaborative tone for the Ivory Coast Event, encouraging attendees to engage actively and thoughtfully. As Mr. Huguenard welcomed participants to share their insights, it became clear that this gathering was poised to stimulate innovative solutions and shape the future landscape of their respective fields.
Introducing the Speakers
During the highly anticipated event in the Ivory Coast, an array of distinguished speakers came together to facilitate meaningful discussions on pressing issues facing the nation. Ms. Hawa Kebe, a renowned figure in the field of community development, presented the speakers and set the stage for an enlightening gathering of ideas and innovations. Each speaker brings a unique perspective shaped by their experiences and areas of expertise.
Event Highlights and Key Takeaways
The Ivory Coast event served as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, innovations, and insights among diverse stakeholders from various sectors. One of the primary highlights was the opening keynote address, which emphasized the importance of sustainable development and digital transformation in driving economic growth within the region. This address sparked engaging discussions on how local initiatives can integrate global best practices while addressing unique local challenges.
Throughout the event, several interactive panels featured industry leaders who shared their experiences with emerging technologies and innovative approaches to problem-solving. Notably, a panel discussion focused on the future of agriculture in the Ivory Coast, highlighting the role of technology in enhancing productivity and sustainability. Examples of successful case studies were presented, demonstrating how local farmers are utilizing smart farming techniques to improve yield and reduce environmental impact.
Networking opportunities allowed participants to forge valuable connections and explore potential collaborations. Many attendees reported that these interactions led to constructive dialogues about investment opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, education, and healthcare. An announcement regarding a new initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among youth was particularly well-received, reflecting a commitment to harnessing the creative potential of the next generation.
As the event drew to a close, it became evident that the discussions and innovations showcased at this gathering would ripple through the Ivory Coast and beyond. The tangible outcomes, including commitments to ongoing partnerships and collaborative projects, signify a forward momentum that underscores the event’s overarching goal of catalyzing change. Attendees left with renewed inspiration and a clearer understanding of the path toward a more innovative and sustainable future for the Ivory Coast.
Moderators and speakers:
Moderator: Ms. Hawa Kebe, Chairman of SETI group to introduce the speakers
Welcoming notes:
Mr. Yann HUGUENARD & Youssouf SIMBO DIAKITE, GotLinks co-chairs
Mrs. Laure MOCKEY TCHICAYA, Economic Counsellor, Director of Côte
d’Ivoire Office at UNIDO: Introductory Speech
Keynote Address:
-H.E. Dr. Souleymane DIARASSOUBA, Minister of Commerce, Industry and
Promotion of SMEs, Côte d Ivoire
-Speech of H.E. Mr. Cissé YACOUBA, Ambassador, Permanent Representative,
Embassy of Côte d Ivoire in Austria: Welcome Speech
-Remarks of H.E Mr. Rapulane Sydney MOLEKANE, Ambassador of the
Republic of South Africa to the Republic of Austria and the International Organizations based in Vienna – Representative of the African Group Vienna. Panel Discussions: “Côte d’Ivoire – Austria: A growing economic partnership”.
Lead 1:Existing opportunities by priority sectors
-Address of M. Emmanuel TRAH BI, General Direction of Industry of Côte d Ivoire, presentation of Ivorian industrial development policy and framework.
-Addres of Mr. Felix KOUAKOU, Chief of Department in charge of negotiations and commercial agreements, Genral Direction of Foreign Trade, presenting the ZLECAF and the dynamics in Côte d’Ivoire
-Address of Mrs. Carole VERSTEEG, Deputy General Manager, Center for the
Promotion of Investments in Côte d’Ivoire (CEPICI) showcasing investment opportunities in Côte d Ivoire
-Address of M. Benjamin WALKER, Market Development Director, Côte d Ivoire
Export, to give examples of products that can be placed in European supermarkets and the logistical incentives involved.
-Address of Mr. Mamadou YODA, Director of growth and business development
for SMEs, Côte d’Ivoire PME, presenting the mission and current intervention
potential support and facilitation Côte d Ivoire PME offers
Lead 2: Forging Sustainable Partnerships between Companies and Institutions Moderation:
-Mrs. Laure MOCKEY TCHICAYA, Economic Counsellor, Director of
Côte d’Ivoire Office at UNIDO
-Address of Mr. Martin WOLLER, Regional Director, Africa, WKÖ, Introducing WKÖ to its role and the project of opening an Advantage office Austria in Côte d’Ivoire Address of Ms. -Mariam TRAORE, Vice President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire, introducing the private sector dynamics in Côte d’Ivoire Address of Mr. Félix YENAN, Director of Commissions and Advocacy at CGECI –
(General Confederation of Côte d’Ivoire Companies) presenting business
opportunities in Côte d Ivoire
-Address of Mrs. Joelle KOUASSI, General Manager of the SME Credit Guarantee
Company (SGPME), presenting their role and mission.







