Envolez-vous vers nos nombreuses des tinations avec EGYPTAIR
APRIL 2026 #133
BABI IS BUZZING!
If you thought Abidjan was already running at full throttle, buckle up! The coming days promise a true firework display of creativity. Our metropolis is no longer just moving; it is transforming into an open-air stage where art, performance, and gastronomy meet. The highlight of the month: Abidjan Art Week, taking us on a week-long journey to discover 14 iconic galleries and their artists. Not to mention the essential MASA making our venues vibrate,
SILA celebrating the “living book,” and the visual magic of the Animation Film Festival… In short, this April, art is everywhere, and we love it!
But the buzz doesn’t stop at the galleries. It is making its way onto our plates with the 6th edition of Abidjan Restaurant Week starting next month, and into your night outs where the “blue notes” of Jazz Day on April 30th will enchant our evenings.
Because it’s impossible to see it all without a guide, BAAB acts as the relay for this effervescence, bringing you all the best tips throughout these pages so you don’t miss a thing this exceptional month. In April, don’t choose…
Get out, taste, read, dance. Babi is buzzing, and it’s contagious!
Managing Director and Publisher : Alice Andrieux
Editor-in-Chief : A. Kouadio
Editorial Secretary General : Gobou Y. F.
Editorial Manager : Anne-Claire Lecouls
Digital and Partnerships Manager : Sylvain Andrieux
Graphic Design Department Manager : Koimé N’Goran A.
Printing : Graphicolor
COMMUNICATE OR ADVERTISE IN BAAB MAGAZINE, IT’S AS EASY AS SCANNING A QR CODE.
AT THE TABLE!
ABIDJAN TILL THE END OF THE NIGHT
ABIDJAN RESTAURANT WEEK
THE 6TH EDITION IS HERE!
A delicious, unique, and accessible event to get out, explore, and above all, eat well!
From May 1st to 10th, 2026, Abidjan once again celebrates its culinary scene with the highly anticipated return of Abidjan Restaurant Week. For its 6th edition, the event promises a gourmet immersion into the heart of the city’s best tables, blending discovery, creativity, and conviviality.
At the origin of this now unmissable event is Yasmine Fofana, a pioneer of the food scene in Côte d’Ivoire. Since 2017, she has worked to democratize local gastronomy by highlighting the chefs and venues that make the capital thrive. This year, 16 handpicked restaurants open their kitchens for a unique experience: exploring Abidjan’s gastronomic richness through exclusive menus, specially designed for the occasion and offered at accessible prices without compromising on quality.
On the menu:
Bold afro-fusion, revisited Ivorian specialties, Italian and Japanese inspirations, or bistronomy… every restaurant embraces creativity, every table offers its signature, and every menu tells a story. Abidjan Restaurant Week is the perfect time to test that establishment everyone is talking about, discover a new spot, or rediscover a familiar place in a new light. More than just a culinary event, it is a celebration of sharing and taste—a gourmet interlude where the entire city turns into a field of gastronomic exploration. Book fast!
New dishes, inventive Chefs
CHEF LUIS SEBASTIAN MARQUEZ
LE MUST
Plateaux, av. K. Duncan
CHEFFE LORNA & CHEF N’GORAN
Zone 4, Av. A. Sawadogo
CHEF MEHDI BOUMAZA
PALAIS WIA
Cocody, rue des Hortensias
CASA BAOBAB
2
BAABINES
CHEFFE JESSICA BERMENT
LUNE
Zone 4, Av. A. Sawadogo
CHEF NOHRA CHEDID
LE JARDIN D’AKWA
Akwaba Roundabout
CHEF TAMSIR NDIR NOLA ROOFTOP
2 Plateaux, av. K. Duncan
Returning from 2025:
Villa Savoia
Le Bistrot Palmier
West
Le Kajazoma
Le Jardin d’Akwa
Gioia
In’ Concept Store
Le Palais Wia
Le Must
Joining for the 1st time:
Le Tsunami - Diamond Center
Le Sanctuaire (au sein de la Villa Alfira)
Casa Baobab
Le Talier Akan
Lune
Cara
Nola Rooftop
What’s new in 2026!
Grand contest: Win a flight ticket (Abidjan-Paris-Abidjan) courtesy of our sponsor Air France.
“Welcome drinks”: Available in select restaurants, courtesy of VISA, for VISA Platinum, Signature, and Infinite cardholders.
Goodie bags: Offered to select participants, featuring “Made in Côte d’Ivoire” brands (Défi Épargne, Sost Nuts, Akouma, Snack Ayo’s, Valou la Vadrouille, Africafé, Mamie Motchi).
From May 1st to 10th, 2026
07 67 67 68 78
abidjanrestaurantweek.com
Abidjan Restaurant Week
AbidjanRestaurantWeek
Photo Credits: La Team PLS
INFO FOOD
NEW RETRO & SWEET
Planet Kebab Africa
After success in Senegal, Mali, and Ghana, the fast-food chain specializing in kebabs lands in Abidjan! Check out their exclusive local twist: the Attiéké Kebab, a traditional favorite revisited their way!
Cacao gourmand
The name says it all! This brand-new chocolate bar is located inside the Ettyka concept store. Hot chocolate, desserts, cocktails, and sweet creations... a true tribute to Ivorian cocoa transformed into moments of pure bliss.
2 Plateaux, rue K. Duncan 07 11 30 60 60 planetkebabafrique Cocody, Cité des Arts, av. H Sarasoro _ettyka_
Cooking Workshop
What if your child became the next Master Chef? Give them a unique experience with an exceptional cooking workshop at the Atelier Ivoirien des Cuisiniers (AIC)!
From June 15 to July 31, Riviera Bonoumin | Registration: 01 51 59 77 50
A 100% online restaurant and caterer available 24/7. Order and get delivered at any time of the day or night!
BAABINES
UNIQUE
Cycling & Brunch
Finally, a real plan for your Sunday! Enjoy a bike ride through Plateau followed by an allyou-can-eat Ivorian buffet... an original way to brunch and stay active!
Every Sunday at 12 PM at Ibis Styles Abidjan Plateau. 07 07 14 33 83
RE-OPENING
Lola
New decor, new menu, and shisha now available... Lola, your go-to spot for dining, chilling, and nights out with friends, has had a makeover! Come and rediscover it.
Riviera, bd G. Koffi Gadeau 07 09 19 55 55 lola.cafe.resto
JUST OPENED
LES MARINS
A restaurant with the charm of a fisherman’s shack, perfect for fish and seafood lovers. Atypical, fresh, and delicious.
Zone 4, rue P. Amédée 07 06 60 00 00 lesmarinsabidjan
FESTIVAL
Abidjan Choukouya Géant
From April 23 to 26, 2026, the Palais de la Culture will vibrate to the rhythm of local flavors! A massive food celebration featuring live entertainment and concerts.
Palais de la Culture 05 07 31 07 18 Choukouya géant
FOODIE ALERT FESTIB IGNITES YAMOUSSOUKRO!
En mai, la capitale politique met le feu aux braises !
On May 1st and 2nd, 2026, the Alliance Française of Yamoussoukro hosts the 6th edition of the Festival du Braisé et de la Friture (FESTIB). This major culinary event in the Lakes region celebrates the art of local cuisine in a 100% festive atmosphere.
On the menu for these two days: grilled chicken, fish, and mutton, served with steaming attiéké, golden alloco, and spicy chili. More than just a tasting event,
May 1st and 2nd, 2026
Alliance française de Yamoussoukro
07 59 12 60 60 festivaldubraiseyakro FESTIB
FESTIB is a real driver for Ivorian tourism. Featuring grilling competitions, professional networking, and musical performances, the event offers a unique platform to discover the latest industry trends.
Whether you are a gourmet or a restaurant professional, don’t miss this sensory experience. See you in Yamoussoukro to celebrate the true taste of the terroir!
ON STAGE
8 CONCERTS NOT TO MISS!
Looking to vibrate to the rhythm of live music? This month, Abidjan catches fire with a selection of must-see concerts! Here are 8 dates to mark in your calendars right now.
LM
April 9, 2026, at Majestic Ivoire 01 01 19 19 10
OPÉRA
Marie-Cécile Ellah
April 11, 2026, at Le Wafou 01 01 62 26 98
REGGAE, BALAFON
Jahkasa
April 10, 2026, at AZK Live 05 05 00 27 63
Ameka Zrai
April 11, 2026, at Ivoire Golf Club
VARIÉTÉS
Nouss Bih
April 17, 2026, at Le Wafou
Tickets: www.lehub.online
COUPÉ DÉCALÉ, UNDERGROUND
DJ Léo
April 25, 2026, at Palais de la Culture 07 67 07 20 69
FIND ALL THE BEST DEALS IN
VDA
April 18, 2026, at Parc des Expositions ZOUGLOU
MAKOSSA, AFRO-POP
Charlotte Dipanda April 25, 2026, at Palais de la Culture 01 40 01 17 73
EVENINGS OF THE MONTH
It’s well known that Abidjan’s nightlife is always rich and lively. Afterworks, concerts, karaoke or parties... every week has its own events and parties. To make sure you don’t miss out on the best of Babi by night, here’s our “little diary” of weekly events. Enjoy it all night long !
Corleone Lounge Riviera M’pouto 07 77 31 97 45
Friday
Every Saturday Greenlive et karaoké Every Weekend
La Cantina Mexicana Zone 4 07 07 72 21 21 Black house 2 Plateaux, Las Palmas 07 88 09 38 09 The Greenfever Abatta, Jules Verne 07 98 48 28 72 Osiris Riviera 3 07 09 29 77 30
WANT TO GO OUT, DANCE, OR CHILL?
WE’VE GOT THE GUIDE!
Looking to dance, chill, or just unwind with music after a long day? Abidjan never runs out of options, but you still need to know where to go! To save you from endless searching or lastminute hesitation, we’ve handpicked the best for you. Here are our top recommendations to fully enjoy your nights and weekends in Babi.
IVORIAN-BELGIAN FESTIVAL
A festive and friendly atmosphere celebrating culture, music, and exchanges between Côte d’Ivoire and Belgium!
April 11, 2026
Gardens of Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire 07 59 89 98
COCO CLASSICO
Black Charles, Tonton Medhi, and Vico Downie will be spinning sets for you from a boat!
April 11, 2026, at 10 PM
Huit Clos des Bateaux, Zone 3
Tickets: www.lehub.online
LA NUIT BLANCHE AT ASSINIE
A timeless night with exceptional guests (Didi B, TRK, Zrai...) and fire DJs!
April 30, 2026, at 8 PM
Assinie Km2 01 41 85 02 02 lanuitblanche_abj
THE DANCEHALL AT VILLA LANA
One night, one theme, and one DJ to set the dance floor on fire non-stop!
April 30, 2026, at 10 PM
Villa Lana 05 02 86 65 62 thedancehall225
RESIDENCY AT LE JARDIN DE MÉMÉ
Twice a month: a cozy vibe, cocktails, and Hip-Hop/Afro-Rap sets by DJ Yseesg!
April 3 & 24, 2026, from 7 PM
Le Jardin de Mémé, Labaraque Gallery, Riviera Jardins
07 09 18 72 10 lejardindememe_
ASSINIE RIO VIBES
The festive energy of Brazil meets Ivorian culture.
April 11, 2026 | Assinie
Tickets: www.lehub.online
CHILL JAZZ AT KAJAZOMA
A jazzy interlude where fine flavors meet live music.
Every other Saturday at 9 PM 2 Plateaux
07 05 10 67 17 kajazoma_concept
SPEAK EASY AT VILLA LEPIC
Cocktails and high-energy nights with the city’s best DJs!
Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026, at 7 PM
Cocody
07 77 53 36 23 lepicvilla
100% LIVE REGGAE AT AZK
Majesty Roots & Friends to set the mood for the evening.
April 24, 2026
AZK Live, Blockhauss
05 05 00 27 63 azk_live
DMC WEST AFRICA
The most prestigious international DJ competition in West Africa.
April 18, 2026
Palais de la Culture dmcwestafrica
LA QUIZZINE
A chill and fun team-based giant quiz. This month’s theme: “Arts in Motion.” Time to study!
April 11, 2026
Ivoire Trade Center 05 55 42 49 04 laquizzine
JAZZAFRICA NIGHT BY KHALIL RIAD
A unique musical experience centered on Afro-descendant sounds, blending jazz, African rhythms, and modern vibes.
April 25, 2026 | Le Wafou, Zone 4
Tickets: www.lehub.online
Equipe de La Quizzine
JAZZ RENDEZVOUS
JAZZ DAY SPECIAL
It is the ultimate meeting point for enthusiasts and a chance to celebrate sharing and fusion— the core values that define the identity of jazz.
As it is every year, International Jazz Day is celebrated on April 30. This date honors jazz and highlights its role in promoting peace, unity, dialogue, and international cooperation. Established by UNESCO in 2011, it aims to raise public awareness of jazz as an educational tool and a force for bringing people together. In Abidjan, as it is throughout the world, April is the month of jazz. Here are 3 must-attend events in Babi to join the celebration!
APRIL 9, 2026
JAZZ TRIP #4 - Modal Jazz
Embark on a journey to the heart of 1950s modal jazz with trumpeter Ediamed N’cho. Inspired by Miles Davis’s cult album
Kind of Blue, this style replaces complex chords with musical scales to offer total improvisational freedom. A minimalist and hypnotic experience that prioritizes melodic color to create a unique sense of floating.
Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 7 PM
Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire 07 87 93 17 23
APRIL 30 & MAY 1, 2026
ABIDJAN JAZZ FUSION ARTS FESTIVAL
For its 2nd edition, the Abidjan Jazz Fusion Arts Festival offers a unique alliance between jazz and visual arts. Two evenings of concerts, live painting by the Wowo Extra collective, and exhibitions to celebrate the perfect fusion of notes and colors.
April 30: “Jazz, fusion & heritage”
Led by Constant Bôty’s band and The Shining Storm Band featuring Georges Pango (the revelation of the 1st edition), this evening explores the roots of the genre. Features live visual performances and a conference on jazz as an art of peace.
May 1st: “Universal celebration of jazz at its genesis”
A move toward intimacy with international artist Christina Goh in a voice-accordion duo with Maxime Perrin. Between art workshops and exhibitions, this immersive closing night honors the new talents of the emerging scene.
April 30 and May 1, 2026
La Rotonde des Arts, Plateau 07 08 48 88 30
APRIL 30, 2026
IVOIRE JAZZ NIGHT
Tribute to George Duke & international virtuosity
For this special edition, Ivoire Jazz Night offers an exceptional stopover between legendary tribute and contemporary virtuosity. The evening opens with a Tribute to George Duke, where pianist Samuel Coulibaly and the Abijazz Fives band will resurrect the master’s electrifying funk-jazz universe. The second part will showcase the rhythmic genius of Kossi Mawun, an international Beninese drummer. Accompanied by his Trio, he will deliver a unique performance, merging pure technical skill with raw emotion for a total jazz experience.
April 30, 2026, at 8 PM
Institut français de Côte d’Ivoire 07 88 65 60 76
THE GALLERY TOUR
APRIL EXHIBITIONS
« CORPS, MÉMOIRE, IDENTITÉ »
ADétermination, 2025. Mural, 4 x 3 m.
group exhibition featuring the 10 finalists of the 2026 BJ’ARTS Prize. The show explores identity as a vital field of reflection—multiple, shifting, and deeply embodied—fueled by history, social change, and individual experience. Opening April 10, 2026, at Fondation BJKD (Riviera 3).
« BIJOUX DE FAMILLE »
Aselectionfrom the La Rotonde collection, featuring masters such as Christian Lattier, Gérard Santoni, Frédéric Bruly Bouabré, Yacouba Touré, and Issa Kouyaté. These high-level artists pose a provocative question: “When will we finally find our place, here at home, in a museum of modern and contemporary art worthy of our heirs’ legitimate expectations?” Opening April 4, 2026, at La Rotonde des Arts (Plateau).
Christian Lattier - Le vieillard et les trois enfants, 1967. Iron and string, 205 x 92 x 49 cm.
« LES ESSENTIELLES, COLLOQUIUM »
An opportunity to discover the career and works of Saint-Etienne Yeanzi. A portraitist of the soul and a philosopher seeking answers to life’s great questions, this free thinker draws from the richness of human heritage to redefine the meaning of existence. Until April 12, 2026, at Galerie Eureka (Zone 4).
« RESSOURCES »
An invitation to listen to what materials have to tell us and perceive what remains beneath the surface, where the artistic gesture becomes an act of rebirth. Here, two voices meet: Boris Ndjantou, a wood sculptor, and Mahamadou Diero, a recycling artist who transforms wear into beauty and abandonment into presence. Until May 2, 2026, at Galerie Amani (Zone 4).
Nyama, 2024. Sculpted walnut, Boxwood, Bent elm, 175 x
Saint-Etienne Yeanzi - Les Essentielles, Colloquium, 2026. 244 x 127 cm.
« FRAGMENTS OF KNOWLEDGE »
The first solo exhibition by Nigerian artist Prosper Aluu. He explores the various forms that the transmission of knowledge can take in our societies through several series of paintings and an installation. Until May 9, 2026, at LouiSimone Guirandou Gallery (Cocody Mermoz).
A«
MURMURES D’ARCHIVES : SUR LES TRACES DE HANS HIMMELHEBER »
major exhibition celebrating the work of German ethnologist, dealer, and collector Hans Himmelheber. Between 1933 and 1976, this scientist traveled across Africa, collecting art and documenting his research through photographs, recordings, and films. Until April 12, 2026, at MuCAT (Abobo).
Prosper Aluu - Collective Literacy, 2025. Mixed media on canvas, 91.4 x 109.2 cm.
« POÉTIQUES DU REEL »
Malian artist Bamana Dramane sublimates plastic waste into figurative works charged with meaning. Between painting and weaving, his ecological practice symbolizes rebirth and solidarity. Through collective memory and the street, he questions social cohesion, transforming refuse into a poetic space for dialogue. From April 3 to June 6, 2026, at Labaraque (Riviera Jardins).
« RÉMANANCE »
For his first solo show in Côte d’Ivoire, Moffat Takadiwa presents works born from collecting materials (plastics, technical components, manufactured fragments) between Harare and Abidjan, specifically in the Yopougon industrial zone. These locations serve as the starting point for a reflection on the circulation of materials across the continent and beyond. From April 17 to May 15, 2026, at Galerie Farah Fakhri (Plateau).
Moffat Takadiwa, Center of the Earth, 2025.
« BABI, LA CITÉ DES DIEUX »
An exhibition by Pascal Konan highlighting Abidjan as a city fragmented by the attention economy. The cult of the image appears as a new language of urban power, caught between aspiration and disenchantment. Abidjan becomes a theater where contemporary myths are re-enacted—a city where gods are no longer eternal, but ephemeral and connected. Until April 25, 2026, at Galerie Houkami Guyzagn (Riviera 2).
« ASSEMBLAGES »
M
ahé Djiré, a singular figure on the Ivorian art scene, has built a deeply personal body of work at the crossroads of psychology, spirituality, and plastic experimentation. For her, “Assemblages” is more than a technique; it is an act of connecting the separated, reconciling abandoned objects with the human gaze, and creating a dialogue between materials, memories, and symbols. Until May 31, 2026, at the Sankonian Center for Culture, Arts, and Knowledge (Abobo).
Pascal Konan - Hypnos, 2026. Mixed media on denim, 120 x 120 cm.
« SOUS LES TROPIQUES »
Jerry Kamaté, Angelo Guessan, Bolou, Calixte, and Daniel Bamigbadé offer a sensitive yet committed reading of contemporary realities in sub-Saharan Africa. Amidst social and cultural transformations, their creations draw intimate and collective landscapes where memory, identity, and spirituality meet modernity and future aspirations. In April 2026 at Galerie Kynome (2 Plateaux).
Angelo Guessan - Mémoire vandalisée, 2025. Airbrush and acrylic, 150 x 100 cm.
« LE CHANT DES MATIÈRES »
An exhibition drawing inspiration from two major musical works by Gustav Mahler and Michael Jackson to question the evolution of our relationship with nature and matter over time. Between contemplation and alarm, it explores the transformations of living things and the materials that compose them. From April 11 to May 30, 2026, at Somian Design Showroom (Grand-Bassam).
« SOUS LE VOILE SACRÉ »
Amajor exhibition by Mounou Désiré Koffi, whose work fuses cultural heritage with technical innovation. He offers a dive into the initiatory universe of the Poro, the Senufo rite that has structured the transition from childhood to adulthood for centuries. Until April 12, 2026, at Jacobleu Art Gallery (2 Plateaux).
Héritier des Ancêtres, 110 x 120 cm
« L’ART D’AIMER »
Enfant Précoce - Essoua, Coucou à Enfant, 2024. Acrylic on canvas, 210 x 280 cm.
Curated by Laurence Chauvin-Buthaud, this exhibition explores the universal notion of love through the work of 7 artists, viewing it as a gesture of resistance, care, and imagination. It is a way of recomposing the world in the present tense. Until April 30, 2026, at Galerie Studer (Cocody), Espace Laurenceairline (Grand-Bassam), and Comptoir 1909 (Grand-Bassam).
« UN GRAND PAS »
With Aristide Kouamé, the flip-flop becomes a language. Collected from shores, worn out, and abandoned to the sea, they carry collective memory and traces of anonymous lives. In his basreliefs, he continues a reflection on illegal immigration, the quest for an “elsewhere,” and the social condition. From April 7 to 28, 2026, at Walls House of Art (Zone 4).
Aristide Kouamé - Le secret des regards, 2025. Mixed media (recycled flip-flop collage on fabric).
« OUATTARA WATTS IN ABIDJAN 2026 »
This unprecedented exhibition celebrates Ouattara Watts’ works on paper created in Côte d’Ivoire. Using pastels, gouache, and watercolors, the “cosmic” artist breaks free from time to explore an agile and sensitive space of freedom. More demanding than canvas, paper imposes a direct, immediate gesture without room for correction, where signs and colors become vectors of a universal and fascinating world. From April 9 to June 6, 2026, at Galerie Cécile Fakhoury (Cocody).
OW, Le nomade, 2026
THE YOUNG DESIGNERS WORKSHOP #2
EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH
For the past year, an extraordinary creative experiment has been unfolding within the private studios of Jean Servais Somian in Grand-Bassam. The world-renowned designer opened his doors to seven young creators for the second edition of The Young Designers Workshop (TYDW). Following the critical and commercial success of the 2022 session, this intensive mentorship program has cemented its role as a pillar for the emergence of a professional design scene in Côte d’Ivoire.
TYDW#2: the rise of a new guard in Ivorian design.
Over twelve months, Romarice-Joyce N’Goran, Philippe Bodou, Suame Ekra, Koffi Amadou Kobenan, Guy Serge Kouadio, Samaritain-César Dago, and Sebime Gnagne Agneroh experienced total immersion. Under the exacting eye of Jean Servais Somian and the guidance of master craftsmen, these seven talents of the “2026 Generation” explored the entire design value chain: from conceptual research and technical development to material experimentation and final production.
The culmination of this year of reflection is now revealed in the exhibition “Designing the Future,” presented at the Fondation Donwahi throughout April and May 2026. This showcase is more than a simple furniture display; it illustrates the profound transformation of a discipline that is now asserting itself as an autonomous field of creative research. By drawing on local expertise—from precision carpentry to sculpture—these young designers challenge matter and function to create objects that tell a contemporary story.
The featured works bear witness to a fertile dialogue between cultural heritage and modern usage. We see a meticulous focus on the artisanal gesture, alongside a fierce
Buffet en bois Ewinde teinté - Sebime Gnagne, TYDW #2, 2026. Crédit photo @Gauz’
Bibliothèque en bois Ewinde - César Dago, TYDW #2, 2026. Crédit photo @Gauz’
determination to place Ivorian design on the global stage. By using local wood species or reinterpreting traditional forms, these creators are inventing a language capable of bridging technical imagination with everyday needs.
By revealing these new voices, “Designing the Future” invites the public to take a fresh look at our material environment. Design is no longer merely utilitarian; it has become a space for reflection on how our societies are shaped. Thanks to the impetus of Jean Servais Somian, this new generation proves it is ready to invent forms that speak of their territory and the rest of the world. A fascinating immersion into the future of Ivorian creation, not to be missed under any circumstances.
TYDW#2
Starting April 8, 2026
Fondation Donwahi, 2 Plateaux
Opening reception: April 8, 2026; “Design conversation”: April 10 at 6:30 PM, featuring architect Guillaume A. Koffi, designer Jean Servais Somian, and the 7 designers of the 2026 class.
Jean Servais Somian, Designer, initiateur et formateur du programme The Young Designers Workshop
The Young Designers Workshop édition 2022 (TYDW #1)Lisa Colombe Adjobi Lauréate Grand Prix Fondation Donwahi
Jeune Création
ABIDJAN ART WEEK 2026
IMMERSED IN IVORIAN ARTISTIC EFFERVESCENCE
From April 7 to 12, 2026, Abidjan will vibrate to the rhythm of art with the third edition of Abidjan Art Week. This major event sees 14 galleries, foundations, and art centers open their doors to showcase the richness and diversity of the local and international art scene.
An immersion into the Ivorian artistic world
The main objective of this event is to encourage the general public to explore and appreciate the many facets of art in Côte d’Ivoire. The program includes exhibitions, performances, workshops, and conferences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in
@C. Piérot MAMC+
the creativity and innovation that define the Ivorian art scene. Each gallery becomes a space for exchange and dialogue between artists, curators, and art enthusiasts, fostering a dynamic of collaboration and shared knowledge.
Gallery Night
A highlight of this edition is Gallery Night on April 11, 2026. Until midnight, the public can explore partner galleries and institutions in a new light and engage directly with artists in a friendly, immersive atmosphere.
A platform for creation and innovation
Since its first edition in January 2024, Abidjan Art Week has established itself as a key event in the Ivorian cultural calendar and a true springboard for regional talent. Through strategic partnerships and the support of cultural institutions, it actively contributes to the global reach of Ivorian art.
Program: Guided tours of galleries and institutions in Cocody (April 8-9), Plateau & Zone 4 (April 10), and Abobo (April 11). Gallery Night on April 11. Abidjan Art Week meets Ablakassa in Bassam on A pril 12, 2026.
EXHIBITIONS TO DISCOVER
“Corps, mémoire, identité”, a group exhibition of the 10 finalists of the 2026 BJ’ARTS Prize at the BJKD Foundation; “The Young Designers Workshop #2” at the Donwahi Foundation; Solo exhibition by Ouattara Watts at Galerie Cécile Fakhoury; “Ressources” by Boris Ndjantou and Mahamadou Diero at Galerie Amani, “Les Essentielles, Colloquium” by Saint-Etienne Yeanzi at Galerie Eureka; “Babi, la cité des Dieux” by Pascal Konan at Galerie Houkami Guyzagn; “Assemblages” by Mahé Djiré at Galerie Koffi Yao Sankonian; “L’Art d’aimer” by Diane Azié, Emmanuel Lekryst, Enfant Précoce, Hervé Yamguen, Lafalaise Dion, Moses Hamborg, and Mballo at Galerie Studer: “Sous les tropiques” by Jerry Kamaté, Angelo Guessan, Bolou, Calixte, and Daniel Bamigbadé at Galerie Kynome; “Poétique du réel” by Bamana Dramane at Labaraque; “Bijoux de famille” at La Rotonde des Arts; “Fragments of Knowledge” by Prosper Aluu at LouiSimone Guirandou Gallery; “Murmure d’archives, sur les traces de Hans Himmelheber” at MuCAT; “Un grand pas” (A Great Step) by Aristide Kouamé at Walls House of Art.
LOVE READING?
YOUR MONTHLY APPOINTMENTS AT IFCI
InAbidjan, the media library of the Institut Français de Côte d’Ivoire (IFCI) is a mustvisit for culture lovers. It is a vibrant space for exchange, where reading becomes a shared experience accessible to everyone.
Through its literary cafés, organized in partnership with Point de Lecture, IFCI offers several monthly meetups to discuss books. Moderated by Koffi Koffi, these gatherings are an opportunity to discover, meet, and debate with the writers shaping today’s Ivorian and international literature. There is no pressure here: you are welcome even if you haven’t read the book. The most important thing is the desire to share, listen, and discuss. For those who want to dive deeper, books are usually available for purchase on the day of the event or can be borrowed directly from the library. Regulars, affectionately known as “cafétifwès,” know it well: every meeting is unique. Since 2003—first under the thatched roof of INSAAC, then at IFCI—these moments have brought together a curious and
engaged audience, occasionally featuring special guests like Alain Mabanckou, Felwine Sarr, Christiane Taubira, or Rokhaya Diallo. Open to all with free entry, these literary cafés are also convivial moments shared over a complimentary tea or coffee. A simple, warm space where cultures are shared and passed on.
This Month’s Schedule: April 8, 2026, at 4 PM: Discussing Joël Oura’s book Otage de sa mort. April 22, 2026, at 4 PM: Discussing Or donc c’étaient eux et ce sont bien eux by Sadia Vouha Ouattara.
Because reading is at the heart of its mission, IFCI will also participate in the Abidjan International Book Fair (SILA) from April 28 to May 2, with a special program of literary cafés. Stay tuned!
ABIDJAN ANIMATION FILM
FESTIVAL
A BOLD 9TH EDITION!
It’s time for the 9th edition of the Abidjan Animation Film Festival (FFAA)! This major cultural event, initiated by the Ivorian Association of Animation Film (AIFA), will be held this year from April 27 to May 3, 2026, under the theme: “Youth Creativity and Employability.”
The festival aims to unite professionals, talents, panelists, and audiences around animated creation while promoting the genre across Africa..
Every year since 2018, Abidjan becomes the African capital of animation for a few days. Intended as much for the general public as for the various stakeholders in the industry, the FFAA serves as a celebration of animated productions (feature films, short films, pitches, and TV series) in all their dimensions. It offers an opportunity to discover a different vision of animation and its leading role in job creation.
The 2024 edition will offer a wide selection of activities that are as entertaining as they are enriching: conferences with professionals and artists (May 1st and 2nd at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire), training workshops on animation and its careers (from April 28th to 30th), networking meetups, screenings of animation classics or recent local and international productions (from May 1st to 3rd at Majestic Sococé and Cosmos), a film project competition, and an awards ceremony to recognize the best animated creations. In short, a rich and promising program. Be there!
CULTURE
MASA 2026
ABIDJAN, CAPITAL OF PERFORMING ARTS
F
rom April 11 to 18, 2026, Abidjan will host the 16th edition of MASA (Abidjan Performing Arts Market), transforming the city into a massive open-air stage where theater, dance, music, storytelling, slam, comedy, circus, puppetry, and street arts meet to showcase the vibrant colors of African and international artistic creation.
One of the largest performing arts festivals on the continent.
2,000 artists, 300 shows, and 500,000 visitors expected… these are the figures for MASA 2026, themed this year: “Performing Arts in Africa, a Tool for Economic and Social Integration.” Performances will take over several of the city’s iconic venues: the Palais de la Culture Bernard Binlin-Dadié, the Institut Français, the Goethe-Institut, Yelam’s, and various districts across Abidjan with a single goal: to bring art closer to the people and make the cultural heart of the entire city beat as one.
This year, MASA honors Morocco and Brazil, opening the program to new artistic dialogues between Africa, Latin America, and the rest of the world. In total, 120 artistic groups will be scheduled for the MASA Market— the professional platform—while the MASA Festival, accessible to the general public, will feature companies from 23 countries.
MASA is also a true economic engine for the cultural sector. More than 150 international bookers from 50 countries are expected to scout new talent and promote the circulation of African works on international stages. Côte d’Ivoire will be well-represented by artists such as Gbi de Fer & le Djely Théâtre, Sokeïna, John Kiffy, Yann Bana, and Zo(h) Cataleya.
This edition is also distinguished by a historic female presence, with 70 groups led by women, and the return of the prestigious Henriette Dagri Diabaté Female Prize, which celebrates the creativity and leadership of women in the cultural industries.
Designed as a space for sharing and transmission, MASA will also offer professional meetings, symposiums, specialized workshops, and initiatives dedicated to young audiences, notably MASA Fitini, a cultural village for children.
masa.ci
MASA 2026
MASA d’Abidjan
CULTURE
LE BEST-OFF DU MOIS
GONDWANA CLUB PULLMAN HÔTEL
COMEDY SHOW
Abidjan’s first comedy club, featuring shows that blend the most famous comedians with the rising stars of the new scene.
April 10, 2026, at 9:00 PM at Pullman Hôtel Abidjan 05 04 00 66 66
POPO CARNAVAL - BONOUA
Wild parades, floats, beauty pageants, street theater, brass bands, and balls will punctuate this multi-faceted event. The goal is to banish the “Popo”—a papier-mâché monster—and its procession of somber characters.
From April 6 to 19, 2026, in Bonoua 07 47 29 19 19
L’AVARE - INSTITUT FRANÇAIS
THEATER
Taking on Molière in a variety of French styles (alexandrines, Ivorian French, and even Nouchi) was a bold move: Abass Zein did it. For such an audacious project, an exceptional cast was assembled. Koami Vignon, Floppy Mendosa, Clentelex, C’Katcha, Lua, Samuel Brou, Eddy Dagher, Clément Michel, and Christophe Kassi embody Molière’s characters and demonstrate his enduring relevance. This is a oneoff performance before the tour in Senegal.
April 25, 2026 at 8 p.m. at the Institut Français Tickets at www.lehub.online
INSTANT SACRÉ
MAJESTIC IVOIRE
GOSPEL
An evening driven by the power of gospel and the emotion of a live acoustic performance. A unique moment in a warm atmosphere with artist Geneviève Brou.
April 23, 2026, at 8:00 PM at Majestic Ivoire cinema (Note: original text said 2025, translated as 2026 for consistency)
Instant Sacré
DÉCOUV’RIRE - AFRICAFÉ
COMEDY CLUB
Clentelex, Nejy, Maître Zelé, Tout Content, and Twinty invite you to a new session of your favorite new comedy club. Jokes, punchlines, good vibes, and plenty of laughter for a guaranteed moment of relaxation!
April 24, 2026, at 7:30 PM at Africafé Plateau Tickets at www.lehub.online
AKO’T
LA FABRIQUE CULTURELLE
ARTISTIC
SCENE
Four days, four universes, one single stage, and unforgettable energy! Whether it’s dance, theater, slam, or live music, come and discover unique performances every night in a warm and immersive atmosphere.
From April 15 to 18, 2026, at La Fabrique Culturelle Free Admission
LE BEST-OFF DU MOIS
FEMUA
ABIDJAN AND DIMBOKRO
FESTIVAL
10 major artists (Meiway, Dena Mwana, Fatoumata Diawara, Kedjevara, Loiseau Rare, Les Garagistes, Black M, Roseline Layo, Didi B, Youssou N’dour) will headline the 18th edition of FEMUA, with Gabon as the guest of honor this year.
GRAND QUELQU’UN
PALAIS DE LA CULTURE
Known for his energy, creativity, and unique world, Nin’wlou—a strong voice in the contemporary Ivorian slam scene—promises an intense performance and a memorable show.
April 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Palais de la Culture Tickets at www.lehub.online
From April 28 to May 3, 2026, in Abidjan and Dimbokro femua.com
In this show, comedian Benji receives the secrets of his four funny customer friends! A blistering evening punctuated by hilarious situations that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
May 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Yelam’s Treichville 07 07 13 25 45
CULTURE
LE BEST-OFF DU MOIS
BLUES AND LYRICAL POETRY
ROTONDE DES ARTS AND INSTITUT FRANÇAIS
CONCERTS
On May 1, 2026, the international blues vocalist and poetess Christina Goh, “the black pearl of afroblues,” accompanied by leading jazz accordionist Maxime Perrin, will perform at the Rotonde des Arts Contemporains. A brand-new show for Côte d’Ivoire, part of the 2nd edition of the Abidjan Jazz Fusion Arts Festival. The duo will also perform a musical reading on May 2, 2026, during the literary café “Poetic Lyricism in Côte d’Ivoire: The Builders,” an exploration of the very first anthology of Ivorian poetry (1993 edition) as part of the Abidjan International Book Fair.
May 1st, 2026, at 8:00 PM at the Rotonde des Arts - May 2, 2026, at 9:30 AM at the Institut Français
ABIDJAN BOOK FAIR
PARC DES EXPOSITIONS
EXHIBITION
The 16th edition of SILA under the theme “Reading to Build.” This year, Lebanon is honored, while the writing of Maurice Bandaman and the city of Bouaké are celebrated. Between innovations and decentralization, SILA deploys temporary reading spaces and strengthens its professional side with SILA’Business. The fair will also host the National Literary Grand Prizes, the SILA’Legend distinction dedicated to major figures in literature, and numerous participatory activities: national spelling bee, eloquence contests, Scrabble tournaments, or reading workshops.
From April 28 to May 2, 2026, at the Abidjan Parc des Expositions silabidjan.com
DRÔLES DE FEMMES 2026
THE SHOW NOT TO MISS
If you have never experienced a “Drôles de Femmes” evening, prepare yourself for a true artistic wake-up call. And for the regulars, one thing is certain: this new edition promises to go even further!
DRÔLES DE FEMMES
June 6, 2026, Parc des expositions
Tickets: www.lehub.online
On June 6, 2026, the Parc des Expositions will be the center of gravity for Ivorian culture. For this 7th anniversary edition, Caroline Dasylva, Executive Director of Mediatis-CI, is thinking big: 8,000 spectators expected, a collective energy and, above all, a promise kept year after year. That of offering a total spectacle blending special effects, dozens of dancers, and precision staging signed by the top experts from INSAAC, worthy of the world’s greatest productions.
But “Drôles de Femmes” is, above all, a story of voices. Even if the official casting is still being jealously guarded, a new generation of actresses will take to the stage to engage in dialogue with iconic figures of Ivorian theater. It is a subtle balance between transmission and revelation, which constitutes the true strength of the concept. This year, the emotion will be even stronger with a tribute to Nadiyah Sabeh, whose passing deeply moved the artistic community.
Driven by Caroline Dasylva, the project is also taking on an international dimension. For this 7th edition, theater experts have been brought in to raise the bar even higher and pave the way for a film adaptation. At the heart of this committed performance: gender-based violence, addressed with intelligence, sensitivity... and a touch of humor.
One piece of advice: do not miss out on this experience and book your tickets now!
MICHAEL FILM OF THE MONTH
An in-depth portrait of Michael Jackson, a complicated man who became the King of Pop. The biopic will bring to life his most iconic performances by providing an enlightened insight into the artist’s creative process and personal life.
BAAB talks about it…
On April 24, 2026, your Majestic cinemas are preparing to vibrate to the rhythm of the moonwalk with the release of Michael, the highly anticipated biopic dedicated to Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan (Skyfall, Gladiator), this ambitious feature film traces four decades of a stratospheric career, from the awakening of the prodigy within the Jackson Five to his status as a global visionary.
Portraying such a myth on screen required a perfect embodiment. It is Jaafar Jackson, the star’s own nephew, who takes on the challenge. His stunning resemblance, both physical and vocal, offers the audience a front-row seat to rediscover the artist like never before. The film does not just reconstruct iconic moments (like the filming of Thriller or his legendary concerts), it also dives into the intimacy of the Jackson family. Colman Domingo lends his features to patriarch Joe Jackson, highlighting the tensions that forged Michael’s fierce will to become the greatest performer in history.
Produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), the film promises to overlook none of the star’s complexity, exploring his darker side and the incidents that turned his life upside down. Between poignant family scenes and breathtaking stage performances, Michael is already shaping up to be the must-see blockbuster of the year, offering a total portrait of a man who became a legend.
CINEMA AT IFCI
SINNERS by Ryan Coogler: Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
ORWELL 2+2 = 5 by Raoul Peck: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
ET
: SONS DU MALI by Ryan Marley: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
Plateau, av. Franchet d’Esperey 27 20 20 40 60 Institut Français de Côte d’Ivoire institutfrançais.ci
To find out dates and times subscribe to the IFCI WhatsApp channel on 07 08 81 06 68.
Admission : 3,000 FCFA ; reduced admission : 2,000 FCFA (library members, under-18s and students under-30s).
AMADOU
MARIAM
THE SPORTS CORNER
APPOINTMENTS NOT TO BE MISSED!
PETITS POTEAUX
Betclic Agora League –Petits Poteaux Competition
From March 28 to April 25, 2026
Agoras of Yopougon, Abobo, Koumassi and Port-Bouët Gala match on April 25 between ASEC Mimosas veterans and the tournament’s rising stars.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
2026 FIFA Women’s Series Tournament
From April 8 to 17, 2026
Fédération Ivoirienne de Football
KARTING
Jope 2026 - Karting
Competition
April 10 and 11, 2026
Superkart Abidjan 05 02 09 44 44
DJEMBEL
Djembel Abidjan Tour
April 11, 2026. Equinox, Riviera 3 07 05 25 07 07
LACROSSE
First Day of the National Championship – Ligue 1
April 11, 2026
Bettié Municipal Stadium FIVL, Fédération Ivoirienne de Lacrosse
RUGBY
CRAC National Tournament
April 12, 2026
Songon, Ivoire Académie cracrugbyabidjan.com
TRAIL
Spring Challenge Round
April 12, 2026.
Ayewahi, Songon Ivoire TRAIL
AUTOMOBILE
Rallye du Bélier
From April 17 to 19, 2026
Yamoussoukro Rallye du Bélier
VTT
Rando VTT 4
April 18, 2026
Mondoukou, Grand-Bassam 07 99 14 42 00
ROLLERS
Team Rollers Champions
Competition
April 25, 2026
Université FHB 07 87 92 51 79
BOXING
Solidarity Gala for Orphans
April 25, 2026
Palais des Sports 07 04 96 61 90
CHALLENGER RACE 2026
PLENTY OF NEW FEATURES ON THE PROGRAM!
Abidjan’s must-attend sporting event, the Challenger Race, returns in May 2026 for an edition more explosive than ever! As a legendary race centered on pushing one’s limits, team spirit, and solidarity, it maintains its core values while introducing radical innovations. With brand-new categories and revisited formats, the 2026 edition shakes up the rules while remaining true to its DNA. Whether you are a regular or a first-time runner, everyone has a place in the adventure! Ready to take on the challenge? Here is everything you need to know!
The fundamentals
On May 16 and 17, 2026, at the CNRA in PortBouët, you will find the classic hallmarks of this legendary race: “heavy-duty” obstacles to overcome (walls, ladders, mud pits, ropes...), mandatory trials (carrying weights, chains, atlas stones...), penalties, and difficulty categories to choose from based on your age, physical condition, motivation, or desire to explore: LIBERTY, SQU4D (teams of 4, open composition), OPEN, ELITE, GLADIATOR, and KIDS.
New for adults: the arrival of the bike! Three new categories have been added to enrich the race:
DUO: For mixed pairs.
SPRINT: A point-based race located at the HQ, featuring a maximum number of laps and obstacles to complete in 30 minutes— explosive and intense.
RYDER: A cycling event on a loop slightly longer than the OPEN, featuring classic obstacles alongside others specifically adapted for two wheels.
CHALLENGER RACE 2026
May 16 and 17, 2026
CNRA de Port-Bouët
Challenger RACE challenger-race.run
Another modification concerns the ULTIMA, the “race of all races”! It is now broken down into 3 RYDER loops to be completed on Saturday and one GLADIATOR loop on Sunday. Finally, great news: starting this year, mutual assistance between participants is authorized for all categories!
For the kids
For young athletes, the age groups are changing with four new categories: PEEWEE (ages 4-6), MASAÏ (ages 7-9), TOUAREG (ages 10-12), and ZULU (ages 13-15).
Want to join in? There’s no time to lose! Registration has begun. It’s time to start training!
LOISIRS
WHAT ARE WE DOING THIS MONTH? OUR SELECTION TO KEEP YOU BUSY!
April 12, 2026
CRAFT CLUB
In need of a creative boost? Join the Craft Club! A soft and welcoming community space to knit, crochet, or bead together. Bring your current project or learn the basics to create both artworks and new connections.
CRAFT CLUB
Every 2nd Sunday of the month (April 12) at 2:00 PM. Marie Mc Leod, Riviera 3
Reservations on tones.abj
From April 6 to May 1st, 2026
CLIHCO WORKSHOP
Under the direction of Tata Flopy and Tata Becca, the CLIHCO Workshop awakens children’s imagination through color. Between writing and games, they enrich their vocabulary and learn to structure a coherent story. A playful experience to master logic and the art of storytelling!
DIYSPECIAL FORTHE KIDS
Every Day
ADINKRA WORKSHOP
The workshop invites you to create your own Adinkra cloth using the batik technique, utilizing hand-carved wood or calabash stamps and hot wax. Get creative while discovering a fascinating piece of African culture!
ADINKRA WORKSHOP
Daily from 10:00 AM Grand-Bassam, Lagune Live. Reservations : 01 53 99 10 10
ATELIER CLIHCO
3 sessions: April 6–10, April 20–24, and April 27 – May 1st, 2026
La Maison des P’tites Z’oreilles, Riviera 3, Reservations : 06 09 86 53 47
April 12, 2026
OPEN HOUSE AT CLUB SAINT MICHEL
An equestrian and family day! Enjoy pony rides, an exhibitor market, and a catering area. A perfect nature break to discover the world of horses and share gourmet moments.
CLUB SAINT MICHEL
April 12 at 10:00 AM
Carrefour Ancien Koumassi
Reservations : 07 07 44 11 56
May 1st and 2, 2026
FORTHE GIRLS
April 19, 2026
HEELS XPERIENCE WORKSHOP
Put on your heels for a sensual workshop with Cy Cy! Learn the basics, the walk, and stylish choreography to boost your attitude. A 100% feminine session combining technique and self-confidence.
April 19 at 4:00 PM
Riviera Palmeraie
Reservations : 01 01 32 09 23 HEELS WORKSHOP
FORTHE
BOOK FAIR
The 3rd edition of the Book Fair celebrates “The Living Book”! Browse new and used books, and meet writers for book signings and fascinating literary discussions. A friendly event blending games, sharing between readers, and a book exchange.
BOOK FAIR
May 1st and 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM, MuCAT, Abobo. Free Admission
WANT TO TRY… LAGREE PILATES?
Halfway between high-intensity fitness and classic Pilates, Lagree Pilates—a true phenomenon from Los Angeles—has arrived in Abidjan to redefine your limits. Created by French-American trainer Sébastien Lagree, this method promises deep muscle work, rapid results, and a complete workout combining strength, endurance, balance, and core stability. Ready for the experience?
Classic Pilates, whether practiced on a mat or a Reformer machine, focuses on breathing, posture, and precise movement control. The goal is lengthening and core strength, often with recovery phases. Lagree, on the other hand, relies on a specific machine: the Megaformer. Unlike the Reformer, the Megaformer is wider and offers much more intense resistance thanks to a system of springs and varied platforms. Where traditional Pilates works in sets, Lagree focuses on high intensity with low impact. It strings together extremely slow movements (“Time Under Tension”) to recruit slow-twitch muscle fibers, responsible for endurance and definition.
Try it at:
FORM, Laguna Bay, Riviera et rue du Lycée technique, Cocody form_abj
New U Studio, Zone 4 Prima, Petit Diamant building newustudio.ci
Villa Pilates, Riviera 3, rue G. Archimède lavillapilates
In a Lagree class, you never stop. A session usually lasts between 45 and 50 minutes, but the intensity is such that every minute counts. Thighs, abs, arms, and glutes work continuously, producing that sensation wellknown to enthusiasts: the famous “shake”— those muscle tremors that signal the body is truly working. In summary: if you’re looking for the serenity of Pilates, stay on the mat. If you want to sweat, shake, and sculpt your body with formidable efficiency, get on the Megaformer!
DESTINATION: GRAND-LAHOU THE CITY OF THREE WATERS
Between sea, lagoon, and river, Grand-Lahou stands strong. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Just 120 km from Abidjan, where the Bandama River and the Tagba Lagoon embrace the Atlantic Ocean, stands Grand-Lahou. Between colonial nostalgia, untamed nature, and ecological victory, the city of the Avikam people is reinventing itself. Step aboard for a destination where the water tells the story.
Lahou-Kpanda: the city that refuses to fade
A liquid crossroads unique in the world
Nicknamed the “City of Three Waters,” GrandLahou offers a rare geographic spectacle: the “V,” the tumultuous meeting point between fresh and salt waters. Formerly called Gagni alahou (“White man, if you go there, you will stay there”), the town was one of the first colonial trading posts and a nerve center for the trade of palm oil, rubber, and—more somberly—a slave trade port (commemorated on Passagri Island). Today, visitors come for this “edge of the world” atmosphere, far from the urban hustle.
The history of Grand-Lahou is one of a perpetual struggle against the elements. A victim of aggressive coastal erosion— accelerated in the 1970s by the construction of the Kossou Dam, which weakened the flow of the Bandama River—the “old town” had to be moved 20 km inland in 1973. “New Grand-Lahou” was born and is now a peaceful town, an administrative hub, and the starting point for reaching the coastline. However, the soul of the city remained by the water in Lahou-Kpanda. Located on a narrow strip of sand between the sea and the lagoon, it still bears witness to this past. You can wander among the remains of colonial houses, remnants of a time when the sandbar was 2 km wide, compared to barely 200 meters today.
The good news: erosion is tamed!
Long threatened with disappearance, Grand-Lahou is finally breathing again. Thanks to the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) management program, funded in part by the World Bank, massive stabilization works have been completed. By closing the old mouth and opening a better-positioned new pass, the coastline is now protected. A historic victory for the blue economy and local tourism!
TRAVEL LOG
1 - Along the water: lagoons and mangroves
Boat trips from the pier: Located by the lagoon in the new town, this is where you negotiate a pirogue (canoe) to reach the river mouth or Azagny Park.
The “V” river mouth: A striking sight where the calm lagoon waters meet the fury of the ocean rollers. On the strip of land between the two waters, you can enjoy grilled carp or smoked fish fresh off the boats.
Oyster harvesting: Navigating through the mangroves, you will encounter Avikam women. Aboard their small pirogues, they harvest oysters attached to the roots of the mangroves. This ancestral activity is a pillar of the local economy. Don’t leave without tasting these lagoon oysters, often served in a stew or grilled.
Ghanaian fishing villages: All along the coastline and islands, Fante and Ewe communities (from neighboring Ghana) have settled. Their colorful pirogues and fishsmoking techniques bring life to the shores of Cap-Lahou and the surrounding camps.
2 - Heritage and memory
Lahou-Kpanda (The sunken city): Visiting the remains of Old Lahou is a poignant and melancholy experience. You can see halfsubmerged colonial houses and feel the soul of a city that refuses to be extinguished.
Passagri Island: The largest lagoon island in West Africa. It houses a stele commemorating the first slave trade port on the Ivorian coast in the 18th century.
3 - The canal and Azagny Park
A true green lung of 19,000 hectares managed by the OIPR, Azagny Park is a biodiversity sanctuary mixing mangroves and savannas where buffaloes, monkeys, and exceptional birdlife coexist. Two ways to explore it:
The aquatic version: A pirogue ride from the Brafedon landing stage on the Azagny Canal (dug by hand!), followed by a short hike to a lookout point offering a panoramic view of the marshy savanna.
The trek version: A hike of several kilometers into the heart of the park (starting north of the city) for the more athletic. A reservation with OIPR agents in Grand-Lahou is mandatory.
Where to Stay in Grand-Lahou
Hôtel Le Ravin, located in Grand-Lahou. hotelleravingrandlahou.com
Lahou Cauri Beach, on the beachfront. lahoucauribeach
Résidence Les Bougainvilliers, on the banks of the Bandama.
Résidence les bougainvilliers
Les Robinsons de Lahou, an island on the lagoon. lesrobinsonsdelahou
La Mangrove, on the banks of the Bandama. La Mangrove Braffédon
Domaine Bini Azagny, located inside the park. domainebini.org
OIPR
PASSIONATELY CI THE
NATURAL POOL OF KOUNOUKOU
“A passionate traveler, I capture the beauty of the Ivory Coast through my adventures. Explore and collaborate with me on unique projects !”
ALLATIN
Marketer, content creator, seaside tour operator 05 45 55 28 60 / 07 59 17 90 22 jacques_allatin
JACQUES
