On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the Children Of Africa Foundation officially launched preparations for its 10th Gala Dinner, scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire.
Held under the theme "Light to Africa: Together for Youth to Shine," this edition aims to mobilize partners, businesses, patrons, and citizens around a major new project: the construction of the Treichville Youth Center.
Representing the First Lady of Cote d’Ivoire and President of the Children Of Africa Foundation, Ms. Nadine Sangare—the Foundation’s Director—outlined the background and significance of this 10th Gala Dinner. For this edition, the Foundation has chosen to dedicate the funds raised to the construction of the Treichville Youth Center. "The theme selected for 2026 is 'Light to Africa: Together for Youth To Shine.' This reflects our conviction that young people represent the greatest asset of our country—and indeed, our continent," stated Ms. Sangare. She explained that this project marks a new milestone in the Foundation’s work. "Following numerous initiatives supporting children and women, we felt it was important to also create a dedicated space for young people," she noted. This future facility is designed to be a hub for learning, innovation, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, guidance, and personal development. "Through this project, we aim to empower young people to become agents of change and the builders of the Cote d’Ivoire of tomorrow," she added. She concluded with a call for a collective effort: "Every contribution represents an investment in our youth's future. Today, we invite you to join us in writing a new chapter in this inspiring story of solidarity by helping to bring the Treichville Youth Center to life. Together, let us ensure that the light shining in our young people's eyes becomes a force capable of illuminating Africa's future."
Events that turned solidarity into concrete achievements
The Foundation’s Director then highlighted how each Gala Dinner has funded major infrastructure projects for the benefit of the community. She noted that the 2012 gala, held under the theme "United for Mothers and Children," launched the construction of the Bingerville Mother and Child Hospital.
The 2014 gala, titled "Uniting Our Hearts for Mothers and Children," enabled the facility to be equipped with modern medical equipment.
The 2016 gala, "A Thousand and One Nights for a Thousand and One Hearts," funded the construction of three care centers for children.
In 2018, "Afrique Féerie" led to the creation of the Children Of Africa School of Excellence in Abobo.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the "Africa is the Future" gala, held in 2022, contributed to the expansion of the *Case des Enfants* and the construction of a shelter for female victims of violence in Adiaké.
Finally, the 2024 "We are Africa" gala funded the construction and equipping of the new pediatric cardiology wing at the Mother-Child Hospital, which is scheduled to open this year. "These achievements demonstrate the Children Of Africa Foundation’s ability to transform the generosity of its partners into sustainable projects that bring hope and change to the communities it serves," she emphasized.
Earlier, Ms. Nadine Sangare opened the conference by highlighting the Foundation’s unwavering commitment since its inception in 1998. "Since its creation in 1998, Ms. Dominique Ouattara has made it her mission to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children," she stated. Ms. Nadine Sangare outlined the Foundation’s major achievements across its three pillars of action: health, education, and social welfare.
Gala Defined by Prestige and Solidarity
Mr. Fabrice Sawegnon, CEO of Voodoo Group and the event’s artistic director, outlined the key elements of this prestigious evening. He began by unveiling the official poster, dominated by yellow and gold hues symbolizing light, hope, and the future, featuring silhouettes of young people that represent the promise of an Africa looking toward tomorrow.
As with previous editions, the gala will feature a film showcasing the Foundation’s achievements, major artistic performances choreographed by Georges Momboye, an auction of artworks by artists such as Aboudia, Obou, and Jems Koko Bi, and a raffle with a brand-new Kia Sportage as the grand prize.
On the culinary front, guests will enjoy a menu created by French chef Yannick Alléno—one of the most decorated chefs in the world—in collaboration with Ivorian restaurateur Prisca Gilbert, blending French haute cuisine with Ivorian flavors.
The evening will also welcome several major figures from the worlds of entertainment and music, including Franck Dubosc, Dadju, Keblack, MC Solaar, Zaho, and Magic System, alongside numerous other international personalities.
A Youth Center to Support the New Generation
Mr. Fadi Mouawad, the architect behind this new Children Of Africa Foundation project, then outlined the features of the future facility. It will be situated on a 1.6-hectare waterfront site in Treichville, facing Marcory and immediately adjacent to the Charles de Gaulle Bridge. He explained that the project’s design draws inspiration from the circular shapes found in traditional African villages as well as lagoon water lilies. The Youth Center will comprise four main functional areas.
The first will be dedicated to leisure and relaxation, featuring a spacious lobby, a multi-purpose hall, exhibition spaces, a library, and a 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheater facing the lagoon.
The second will house cultural and educational facilities, including workshops for cooking, visual arts, music, singing, and dance, as well as study rooms.
The third level will house offices, meeting rooms, an infirmary, and staff facilities.
Finally, the outdoor facilities will include Maracana football pitches, multi-sport courts, padel courts, extensive green spaces, a public square, and a 210-space car park.
In total, the built-up area will reach 3,604 m², complemented by 7,500 m² of landscaped outdoor space.
By placing youth at the heart of its commitment, the Children Of Africa Foundation is opening a new chapter in its work to foster human development, with the ambition of offering thousands of young people a space where they can learn, create, launch ventures, and build their futures.
