Bouaké: a culturally rich melting pot
After several years of military-political crisis, the establishment of a non-aggression pact between ethnic groups has allowed the consolidation of peace between ethnic communities in Bouaké. The ethnic diversity of its population has made Bouaké a culturally rich melting pot, home to a university and a UNESCO Chair on Bioethics. At the economic level, new companies are setting up, notably in the cashew nut sector.
Vision and Strategy
In the medium-term, Bouaké’s aims to implement a policy for the integration of young people in the green and circular economy based on training and finance opportunities, strengthen capacity-building of urban market gardeners in agroecology, and involve neighbourhoods in the governance of the Bouaké commune. One of the city’s key goals is to provide educational support to 500 young people (primary and secondary) per year from disadvantaged families whose income is below the minimum wage. As a member of the UNESCO GNLC, Bouaké will focus its efforts on the training and professional integration of young people, participatory governance and the greening of the city.
Policies, Plan and Implementation
Sustainability and health
The city promotes the restoration and equipping of local health centres, as well as green and the circular economy. Through the creation of ‘energy clubs’ in primary schools, the benefits of low energy consumption are taught. School canteens have been renovated to use bio-gas equipment. In addition, EUR 1.5 million was spent between 2013 and 2017 to improve primary healthcare services.
Equity and inclusion
Neighbourhood committees have been established to promote socio-economic and environmental development. At least 40 per cent of committee members are women.
Decent work and entrepreneurship
The city integrates the concept of decent work through vocational training; the promotion of youth employment through structures such as the youth employment agency and the youth centre; and the facilitation of financing for the installation of self-entrepreneurs in the green and circular economy sectors through micro-credits
Good practices
Bouaké 'green city' project
Implemented between 2017 and 2020, Bouake’s green city project resulted in the city being among the first African cities to have an Action Plan for Sustainable Energy Access and Climate.
Bouaké sustainable city project
An offshoot of the Bouaké green city project, the sustainable city project started in March 2021 for a period of 48 months and aims to promote the SDGs for a change in the mentalities of its populations and the professional integration of young people through training in green jobs.
‘Through its learning city strategy, Bouaké aims to promote social cohesion and enhance the educational and cultural skills of the population.'
Mr Youssouf Djibo
Mayor
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