In the dynamic landscape of Ivory Coast, the week of February 17 to 23, 2024, witnessed significant strides in national policies, socio-economic initiatives, and diplomatic engagements. This review encapsulates the essence of the diverse government events that unfolded, shaping the course of the nation.
Ecumenical Prayer Celebrates Elephants' Triumph
The week kicked off with an ecumenical prayer ceremony, a testament to the gratitude of Ivorians for the successful coronation of the Elephants and the impeccable organization of the 34th African Cup of Nations. Led by President Alassane Ouattara, the ceremony brought together religious leaders, government officials, and sports dignitaries in Treichville's Palace of Culture.
Presidential Pardon for Post-Electoral Offenses
In a demonstration of commitment to national unity, President Ouattara granted a presidential pardon to 51 individuals, both civilian and military, convicted for offenses committed during post-electoral crises or violations to state security. This inclusive gesture aimed at fostering reconciliation and healing wounds from the past.
Cashew Nut Pricing Unveiled by Agriculture Minister
The Minister of State for Agriculture, Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, unveiled the pricing structure for well-dried and well-sorted cashew nuts, addressing producers' concerns. Priced at 275 F CFA/kg, this announcement is poised to impact the livelihoods of numerous producers, emphasizing the government's focus on the agricultural sector.
Hydraulic Infrastructure Progress Applauded
Inspecting the treatment plant construction site powered by surface water from the Aghien lagoon, Minister Bouaké Fofana expressed satisfaction with the project's advancement. This crucial infrastructure is projected to produce 150,000 m3 per day, benefiting over 2 million inhabitants in various communes.
Security Commission Assessment Post African Cup of Nations
Minister of Interior and Security, Vagondo Diomandé, engaged in discussions with the Security Commission of the CAN 2023 Organizing Committee, evaluating security measures during the 34th African Cup of Nations. The comprehensive assessment covered stadium security, accommodation sites, crowd management, and traffic flow.
Career Days Promote Sports Professions
Mariatou Koné, the Minister of National Education and Literacy, highlighted the dynamic opportunities in sports professions during the 11th edition of Career Days. This initiative aimed to inspire students, fostering enthusiasm and skill development for success in their chosen fields.
National Caravan Launches New Civil Service Statute
Aiming to promote and popularize the recently adopted New General Statute of the Civil Service, Minister Anne Désirée Ouloto inaugurated a national caravan. The ceremony, held at the Palace of Culture in Abidjan-Treichville, marked the unveiling of a comprehensive statute consisting of two titles, 14 chapters, and 115 articles.
ANP Academy's Focus on Digital News Challenges
The 25th session of the ANP Academy convened, providing digital news production heads and journalists with insights into challenges and responsibilities associated with online information. This initiative reflects the commitment to enhancing media literacy and adapting to the evolving landscape of journalism.
CEPICI's Success in Business Formalities
Solange Amichia, Director General of CEPICI, announced significant progress in business formalities, with the creation of over 25,000 companies in 2023. Highlighting Ivory Coast's attractiveness as an investment destination, CEPICI mobilized 1,000 billion FCFA in approved private investments during the same year.
Empowering Women in Science and Innovation
Six deserving winners of the “Special Women” call for projects from FONSTI received a cumulative amount of 103.1 million FCFA. These projects, spanning agriculture, environmental sustainability, and health sciences, were presented to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Adama Diawara, emphasizing the government's commitment to empowering women in science and innovation.
Economic Talks with Japanese Delegation
Minister of the Economy, Nialé Kaba, engaged in discussions with a Japanese delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Finance Kanda Masato. These talks, held in Abidjan, explored avenues for economic collaboration between Ivory Coast and Japan, underlining the nation's commitment to international partnerships.
UNESCO Chair Initiates Gender Engineering Class
Initiated by the UNESCO Chair, the 7th class of auditors in Gender Engineering is set to commence on March 12, 2024. The nine-month program, headed by Professor Rose Nevry Koffi, aims to advance gender inclusivity in engineering under the auspices of UNESCO Chair & Water, Women, and Decision-making Power.
Matrimonial Regimes Unveiled at Government Forum
Trabi Botty Jérôme, Deputy Director of Legislation at DELD, presented the intricacies of different matrimonial regimes in Côte d'Ivoire during the government's "Everything you need to know about" forum. The forum, part of the Government Information and Communication Center's initiatives, shed light on legal aspects shaping marriages in the nation.
Agricultural Support in Poro Region
On the sidelines of a seed and fertilizer distribution ceremony for rice farmers in the Poro region, Minister Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani fortified decentralized directorates with means of mobility. This gesture included the provision of eight 4X4 vehicles and six motorcycles, enhancing on-ground activity monitoring.
Positive Results in Open Government Partnership
The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Souleymane Diarrassouba, announced a positive execution rate of 95% in activities planned under the Open Government Partnership 2023. This disclosure, made during a review ceremony, underscores Ivory Coast's commitment to transparency and open governance.
Promising Future for Print Press
A workshop discussing the economic model and professionalization of the press in Ivory Coast unfolded on February 19, 2024. The study, conducted by IBF International Consulting for the EU, revealed a promising future for the paper press. EU Ambassador Francesca Di Mauro presented the study's recommendations to Communication Minister Amadou Coulibaly.
Industrialization Conference Propels Economic Growth
Minister Nialé Kaba inaugurated an international conference themed "Advancing Industrialization and Improving Labor Productivity" at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University. The conference, attended by the Japanese ambassador and other dignitaries, aimed to chart a path for the development of the Ivorian economy through industrialization.
HABG Records Increase in Asset Declarations
Following the initiation of asset declaration sanctions, the High Authority for Good Governance (HABG) recorded 732 new declarations from November 13, 2023, to February 22, 2024. This surge in declarations underscores the nation's commitment to accountability and transparency.
Ivorian Delegation to Paris International Agricultural Show
The Minister of State, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production, Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, will lead the strong Ivorian delegation which will take part in the 60th edition of the Paris International Agricultural Show (SIA) scheduled from February 24 to March 3, 2024, at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris (France).