Well-being & Community

Connecting Staff Through Sport & Culture

The Staff Council organizes a wide range of sporting events, cultural activities, and leisure excursions for the well-being of all staff and their families. These events bring colleagues together, foster a sense of community, and celebrate the rich diversity of the African Development Bank family.

From Sports Days at headquarters to international excursions, football tournaments to cultural celebrations — SCO ensures that every staff member has opportunities to connect, de-stress, and thrive beyond the workplace.

Sports Days

Professional-led sport days at HQ and Bingerville garden.

Excursions

Memorable trips organized for staff and their families.

Cultural Day

30+ communities celebrating diversity through food, dance & attire.

Social Events

Parties and gatherings to reconnect colleagues across the Bank.

300+
Staff at RTO Party
30+
Communities at Cultural Day
10
Nairobi Destinations
4+
Annual Activities
Featured Event

Return to Office Party — October 2022

After a long period of remote working during the Covid pandemic, the Staff Council organized a Return-to-Office party at headquarters and in regional and country offices. The event at Latrille Events in Cocody, Abidjan was a tremendous success — bringing colleagues back together in a warm, vibrant atmosphere.

More than 300 bank staff attended, including senior management, professional staff, GS staff, local recruits, and consultants. The evening was celebrated with great food, music, and an outpouring of positive feedback.

300+
Attendees
Oct 7
2022, Latrille Events
HQ &
All Field Offices

What We Organize

Our Activities

A rich calendar of events designed to promote well-being, foster community, and celebrate the diversity of the AfDB family.

Annual

Sports Days

CCIA & Bingerville Staff & Families

Sports Days are organized for the well-being of all staff and their families. Held in the CCIA parking lot and the Bingerville botanical garden, these events allow staff to meet, socialize, and de-stress. Activities are facilitated by professional sports coaches and instructors.

The events encourage physical activity, team spirit, and camaraderie across all grades and departments.

Excursion

Excursions — Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya Annual Meetings

The Staff Council organized exciting excursions during the Annual Meetings of the Bank in Nairobi, enabling staff and their families to explore Kenya's stunning wildlife, landscapes, and vibrant culture. Destinations included:

  • Nairobi National Park
  • The Giraffe Center
  • Nakuru National Park
  • Crescent Island
  • Hells Gate
  • Lake Naivasha
  • Nairobi Museum
  • Snake Park
  • Karen Blixen Museum
  • Railway Museum
2023

AFCON 2023 — Côte d'Ivoire

Ebimpe Stadium, Abidjan January–February 2023

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Tournament was hosted in Côte d'Ivoire, generating immense interest among Bank staff. SCO facilitated access to tickets in collaboration with COCAN, ensuring staff could experience this landmark event.

SCO also provided bus services to Ebimpe Stadium from CCIA headquarters, and organized transport to matches held outside Abidjan — making the tournament accessible to as many staff as possible.

December

Cultural Day

December 9, 2023 30+ Communities

The Bank's Cultural Day promotes the rich diversity within the AfDB family through dress, food, song, and dance. The December 2023 edition was a colorful ceremony with nearly 30 communities who showcased their heritage and strengthened the feeling of being part of one united African family.

Communities that stood out for food, attire and dance:

Niger Tunisia Japan Ghana Rwanda Uganda Ivory Coast Nigeria Gabon

Staff Voices

What Colleagues Said

Reactions from staff following the 2022 Return to Office Party.

"I really wish to thank SCO for this initiative, which was such a blast — after nearly two and a half years of remote work, the party allowed us to reconnect with old colleagues and meet new ones in a relaxed environment with good food and great music. We encourage similar initiatives to allow Bank colleagues to reconnect on a regular basis."

Valerie Dabady
Manager, Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Department (FIRM1)

"Great initiative and came at an opportune time. It helped people to reconnect. Perfect location and ambience — very well organized and I encourage more such events."

Prajesh Bhakta
Lead Country Program Coordinator, RDVP

"Just to let you know the return to office party was great, very friendly and welcoming to all that decided to come out to meet everyone after 2 years of working from home. The party was really well organized. It is so important to have informal events to bring everyone together."

Atsuko Toda
Director, Agriculture Finance and Rural Infrastructure Development (AHFR)

"It was an honour to participate in the Bank's 2022 RTO party. It was unique, fun and professional. It gave me an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new colleagues. Kudos SCO."

Erick Mariga
Principal Fragility and Resilience Officer, Transition States Coordination Office (RDTS)

"I particularly enjoyed the RTO evening. In a warm setting and atmosphere, it was an opportunity to meet the staff of the Bank, to forge links, and I was particularly impressed by the dynamic of the staff that also reflects youth and diversity. SCO has put in the effort to make people feel comfortable. Definitely to be done regularly for the maintenance of social links in the Bank."

Jasma Salim Ahmed
Member of the YP Liaison Team, 2021 Cohort

Stay Connected

Get Involved

There are many ways to take part in SCO's sport and leisure programme throughout the year.

Follow the Calendar

Year-round

Check the SCO events calendar regularly for announcements about upcoming sports days, excursions, and social events.

Register for Events

Open to all staff

Most events are open to staff and their families. Contact SCO or your focal point to register for upcoming activities.

Suggest an Activity

Your ideas matter

Have an idea for a new event or activity? SCO welcomes suggestions from staff to shape the leisure programme.

Represent Your Culture

Cultural Day

Join the annual Cultural Day and represent your country through food, attire, song, and dance.

Ready to Join the Fun?

Stay up to date with all SCO sport and leisure events — register, suggest ideas, or simply show up and enjoy.