By Hervé GOBOU

The Network of Ivorian Graduates in the Diaspora (RIDD) reached a strategic milestone on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Ivoire Trade Center in Cocody. In the presence of several institutional and economic partners, the network’s Executive President, Steve Essis, officially launched the RIDD International Tour Canada 2026, a mission scheduled to take place from June 15 to 20, 2026, in Montreal and Quebec City.

This initiative provides a concrete response to the challenges of international mobility for entrepreneurs. RIDD is positioning itself as a genuine driver of development, going far beyond the role of a simple social network.

“What we are launching tonight is much more than an event. It is a shared vision of smart mobility, strengthened cooperation, and the creation of sustainable opportunities,” declared Steve Essis.

The Executive President of RIDD also highlighted the strong social impact generated by the network over its nine years of existence, emphasizing its key role in the successful integration of Ivorian talent abroad.

Key Figures and the Vision of “Healthy Migration”

According to Khalil Touré, Head of the Sustainable Employment Commission, RIDD is currently active in 10 countries and brings together 3,000 members. This dynamic community is composed of 45% professionals, 30% entrepreneurs, 20% students, and 5% investors, making it a highly qualified pool of human resources.

The ethical and educational dimension of the initiative was also emphasized. Diallo Lamine, a FIFA players’ agent and Sports Advisor to the President of RIDD, highlighted the opportunities available in the field of sports and education programs.

“We want healthy migration,” he stated, echoing Mr. Touré’s insistence on the importance of promoting the quality of the diaspora’s academic and professional training.

The success of this launch ceremony reflects the confidence placed in RIDD by leading stakeholders. The event was attended by strategic partners such as Desjardins, Maboussole Group, Québec Office Abidjan, Catalyste+, Diaspora Connect, and Québec International.

The successful launch in Abidjan paves the way for a Canadian tour that promises to further strengthen economic, academic, and professional ties between Côte d’Ivoire and Canada, while providing RIDD members with tangible opportunities for growth and advancement in an increasingly globalized environment.