Côte d’Ivoire

A School for the Future

Confiserie Bachmann builds a school in Côte d’Ivoire

Cocoa-growing regions require well-developed local infrastructure—this includes schools, a functioning healthcare system, and free access to markets. For this reason, the Bachmann Foundation invested in the IFER School (Institut de Formation à l’Entrepreneuriat) in Afféry, located inland in Côte d’Ivoire. The school opened in autumn 2018 and gives young people between 16 and 25 years old the opportunity to complete vocational training in the agricultural sector.

The curriculum covers subjects such as agriculture, food processing, general education, and business management. The three-year program combines solid, locally adapted academic learning—particularly on topics like cocoa cultivation, cocoa production, and craftsmanship—with farm stays on family holdings. In their third year, students define their own practice-oriented projects. These are supervised by a trainer and assessed by experts for quality and feasibility. This gives young people the chance to build their own businesses and test their projects in advance within the school.

“We are convinced that such educational opportunities provide sustainable support not only for the students but also for their families and entire regions.” — Matthias Bachmann

Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire is about 7,000 km from Switzerland, has over 23 million inhabitants, and is one of the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world. More than 35% of the world’s cocoa harvest comes from this West African nation.

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The school can accommodate 70 students and ensures that at least 30% of them are female. The specially created “Girls’ Club” offers an ideal environment to empower and mentor young women in agriculture, helping them prepare optimally for their future professional lives and personal development. Confiserie Bachmann maintains close communication with the school management on site and visits the school regularly.

Although Côte d’Ivoire produces 35% of the world’s cocoa, working conditions are often unfair. Cocoa farmers frequently earn less than USD 0.50 per day—well below the poverty line. Poverty is further reinforced by high illiteracy rates, low levels of schooling, child labor, and gender inequality. A fair price for cocoa beans is one that ensures a living income, covering the basic needs of cocoa-farming families: adequate housing, healthy nutrition, clean drinking water, sufficient healthcare, education, mobility, and reserves for crop failures and illness. With its focus on education, the Bachmann Foundation project aims to counteract these issues. Education is the most effective means in the fight against poverty and exploitation.

“Côte d’Ivoire is an impressive country with great potential. But for this potential to be realized, the country needs fair business partners and our support.” — Matthias Bachmann