The General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI) advanced its mission to support youth development on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, by hosting a special edition of the “Entrepreneurship Conference” at the Polytechnic University of Bingerville.
Under the theme of keys to professional and personal success, the initiative sought to transform students into future economic leaders by bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. Aïssatou Cissé Sèye, president of the National Entrepreneurship Promotion Commission, encouraged students to cultivate self-confidence and a clear vision, promising that the Commission would review the most viable projects to facilitate internship opportunities.
The university’s founder, Karamoko Abdoulaye, welcomed the partnership, noting that it aligns with his goal of training founders capable of leading during the fourth industrial revolution in fields like artificial intelligence and robotics. During the conference, seasoned business leaders shared practical advice on the realities of the private sector. Jean-Philippe Lasne of LKM Digital emphasized the importance of resilience and trustworthiness as a professional foundation, while Florence Koné, CEO of Advantage, spoke about the necessity of maintaining a positive attitude and learning from failures to bounce back stronger.
The event concluded with a cautionary message regarding the idealized version of entrepreneurship often seen on social media, with speakers instead advocating for rigorous time management, mental health awareness, and deep sector knowledge. A significant outcome of the day was the official announcement of the “Entrepreneurs’ Club,” a new framework initiated by the CGECI. This club is designed to give students direct experience with the formal economic sector, providing them with essential management skills to build sustainable businesses that will contribute to the future of the Ivorian economy.
AP/fss/abj/APA