AfDB and World Bank Drive Job Creation and Food Security through AgriConnect in Côte d’Ivoire
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, in partnership with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, have launched the AgriConnect Country Component in Abidjan. The initiative aims to transform the country’s agricultural sector into a driver of large-scale job creation and strengthened food sovereignty.
The launch, held on 5 February 2026, brought together representatives from both development finance institutions, the Ivorian government—including Minister for Food Production Bernard Kini Komoé—technical and financial partners, private sector leaders, and research centres.
AgriConnect, launched globally in October 2025, is designed to mobilise over $5 billion annually through 2030 to support more than 300 million farmers worldwide. The programme focuses on targeted investments in resilient infrastructure, agricultural policy reforms, and innovative financing. In Côte d’Ivoire, it will align with the country’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030.
“AgriConnect is not just an initiative; it is a platform for transformation,” said Richard Ofori-Mante, Director of Agricultural Finance and Rural Development at AfDB, representing Acting Vice President Martin Fregene. “By modernising value chains, strengthening institutions, and mobilising innovative financing, we can create millions of decent jobs, particularly for young people and women, while improving food sovereignty.”
Elhadji Adama Touré, Head of the Agriculture and Food Practice for West Africa at the World Bank, added, “Over the next decade, 1.2 billion young people will enter the labour market globally. Agribusiness has immense potential to absorb this demographic wave. AgriConnect aims to turn farms into businesses and agriculture into opportunities.”
Minister Komoé welcomed the initiative, stating, “AgriConnect is an opportunity for Côte d’Ivoire to transform its agricultural sector, provide jobs for young people and women, and strengthen national food sovereignty, in line with our National Development Plan 2026–2030.”
In the rice sector, AfDB is supporting countries to enhance irrigation, improve access to seeds, upgrade husking and storage facilities, and facilitate market access. Technical and financial partners present at the launch reaffirmed their commitment to supporting AgriConnect in line with Côte d’Ivoire’s development priorities, particularly the National Agricultural Investment Programme (PNIA).
The AgriConnect launch is expected to strengthen coordination among partners and accelerate the implementation of strategic agricultural projects, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and inclusive job creation.
