The youth integration project in agro-pastoralism and irrigation, known as “AgroPast Jeunes – Bagoué,” was officially launched on Friday, 21 November 2025, at the Guinguéréni Civic Service Center (Boundiali department, Bagoué region) by the Minister of Construction and President of the Bagoué Regional Council, Bruno Koné.

Jointly supported by the Bagoué Regional Council, the Abidjan Legacy Program (ALP), and the National Civic Service Office (OSCN), the initiative also benefits from the technical expertise of NETAFIM, an Israeli world leader in drip irrigation, as well as support from the Embassies of Israel and the Netherlands.

This project aims to train **300 young people—both men and women—**in agriculture, sheep farming, and irrigation, with the goal of accelerating the region’s economic and social transformation and facilitating the professional integration of beneficiaries.

During the ceremony, 100 young people representing the first of three planned cohorts received their completion certificates, marking the end of two months of intensive training.

For Bruno Koné, this milestone represents a historic moment:
“It marks the beginning of a new cycle in our regional policy for youth empowerment and agricultural modernization. Through ‘AgroPast Jeunes – Bagoué,’ we want to prove that it is possible, even in rural areas, to build sustainable economic models based on modern, intelligent, and resilient agriculture and livestock farming.”

The Regional Council President reassured the youth of the support that will be provided to help them launch their activities and secure sustainable economic integration:
“You are now the ambassadors of modern and sustainable agriculture in the Bagoué region.”

ALP Coordinator Abou Bamba explained that each selected participant receives both civic and professional training. Beneficiaries also receive a full installation kit, including a drip fertigation system, seeds, inputs, and a starter flock of 16 sheep.

According to him, these actions align with the vision of President Alassane Ouattara:
“They directly contribute to the third pillar of the government’s program, focused on employment, economic development, and food security.”

Representing the Minister of Youth Promotion, Mamadou Touré, OSCN Director Amara Coulibaly praised ALP’s commitment and expressed the hope that the project would expand to all civic service centers across the country for the benefit of more young people.

The Ambassador of Israel, Simon Seroussi, stated that it was an honor for Israel to support Côte d’Ivoire, “a country that, in a few years, will have a major global presence.”

The ceremony concluded with the signing of a partnership framework agreement between the three institutions behind the project, followed by a visit to the two-hectare training site, which includes a sheepfold, a borehole, and a precision irrigation system.

The event also marked the start of training for the second cohort of young participants at the Guinguéréni Center.