The first Board meeting of 2026 was held online and in person in Adiopodoumé on Monday, January 28, 2026.

Here are the key points to note following this meeting:

1-Technical report from management 

It was unanimously approved, and the Board of Directors congratulated Prof. Inza Koné (CEO) and the management committee in particular for the success of a restructuring process with a human face. 

The members of the Board also said they were “impressed” by the volume and quality of the institution's publications. 

They expressed the wish that the CSRS share its experience with public universities and strengthen its partnerships with the sub-region.

2-Provisional financial report for 2025 and budget for 2026

Unanimously approved by the Board, the presentation of the provisional financial report for 2025, which showed positive results, enabled the Board to encourage the CSRS to continue its efforts to maintain this course. The 2026 budget was approved without any objections.

3-Organization of the CSRS 75th anniversary celebrations

The Executive Board was given the go-ahead to make a proposal for the content of the 75th anniversary celebrations throughout the year (world days, open days, etc.).

Today's Council meeting was preceded by the traditional meeting with CSRS research staff and was followed, exceptionally, by closed-door deliberations to select the next Director General of the Swiss Center following the international call for applications launched last year. The name of the successful candidate will be announced tomorrow, Friday, or early next week, after presentation and approval by Prof. Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Côte d'Ivoire. It was a very positive and warm, almost festive, Board meeting.

Board members present or online: 

•    Prof. Koné Tidiani, Chairman of the CSRS Board, Director General of Research and Technological Innovation, representing the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

•    Prof. Utzinger Jürg, Director of Swiss TPH, Vice-Chairman of the Board;

•    Prof. Ouinsavi Christine Adjovi, Director of the Forestry Studies and Research Laboratory at the University of Parakou in Benin

•    Prof. Yoboué Véronique, Vice President of UFHB and President of the CSRS Scientific Council

•    Prof. Koudou Benjamin, Director of Research and Development (DRD-CSRS)

•    Ms. Sall Badiène Khady, Administrative and Financial Director (DAF-CSRS);

•    Ms. Coulibaly Aoua Sougo – President of Péléforo Gon Coulibaly University in Korhogo

• Dr. Dao Daouda, Director of Resources and Development (DRV-CSRS);

• Ms. Deborah Attolini, new Embassy Advisor, representing the Swiss Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire

• Prof. Koné Inza, Director General of CSRS;

• Prof. Sangaré Yaya – Secretary General of FONSTI-PASRES – Observer – (Online)

• Mr. Hoegah Théodore – Lawyer at the Court – Observer

Kone Ange