On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, First Lady Dominique Ouattara, President of the Children Of Africa Foundation officially launched the 17th edition of the Dominique Ouattara Cup football tournament at her Foundation’s headquarters in Cocody.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Mrs Anne Désirée Ouloto Lamizana, Minister of State and Minister of the Civil Service and Modernization of Administration (representing the Minister of Sports); Mr. Amadou Kone, Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs, Mayor of Bouake, and President of UVICOCI; as well as numerous dignitaries, local elected officials, partners, Ivorian football legends, and sport figures.

Launched in 2008, the Dominique Ouattara Cup football tournament has, over the years, become a key event during the school holidays for thousands of children across the country.

This year, a total of 80 localities will host the competition, to the delight of the youngest participants. A sum of 410,000 will be allocated to the various localities to fund prizes for the winning team. The winning team will also take home the "Dominique Ouattara" trophy, a full set of jerseys, and soccer balls. The total value of the prizes across all 80 localities amounts to 150 million CFA francs.

In her address, the First Lady highlighted the special place this competition holds within the Children Of Africa Foundation’s initiatives to promote child well-being. Since its launch in 2008, the Dominique Ouattara Cup has pursued a clear objective: to provide young Ivorians with healthy, productive, and enriching school holidays. "As you know, football in Côte d’Ivoire is not just a game. It is a shared passion, a common language that spans generations and unites all communities," emphasized Mrs. Dominique Ouattara. For her, this competition is far more than just a sports tournament; it serves as a genuine tool for education and social integration.

Every year, thousands of boys and girls aged 7 to 15 take part in this adventure across various locations in the country. For many of them, this tournament is one of the most anticipated highlights of the school holidays. Beyond the joy of the game, it allows them to develop qualities essential to their personal growth. "Through this friendly competition, we aim to instill values ​​vital to social well-being: teamwork, respect for others, discipline, and social cohesion," explained the President of the Children Of Africa Foundation. These are values ​​that, in her view, help shape responsible citizens who respect others and are committed to the development of their communities.

The 2026 edition takes place against a backdrop particularly favorable to Ivorian football, marked by Côte d’Ivoire’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup—an event fueling the dreams of an entire generation of amazing young football players. "What a wonderful symbol it is to offer this sports competition to our children at a time when their heroes are shining on the global stage," said the First Lady, convinced that the Elephants' performances serve as an added source of motivation for the young participants.

Over the years, the Dominique Ouattara Cup has established itself as one of the most important youth football tournaments in Côte d’Ivoire. Its success stems from the unwavering commitment of the Children Of Africa Foundation, as well as the mobilization of local communities, partners, and national football legends who support every edition.

Addressing the children directly, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara encouraged them to make the most of the experience and to believe in their dreams. "This tournament is yours; it is organized for you. We do this because we want you to have a wonderful holiday. (...) And if one day you dream of wearing the jersey of our 'Elephants,' remember that it all starts with you—so believe in your dreams," she told them.

The winning team will receive, as is the case every year, the "Dominique Ouattara" trophy, a cash prize of 410,000 CFA francs, full sets of jerseys, and soccer balls. Organizing this 17th edition represents a total investment of 150 million CFA francs. Prizes will also be awarded to all the finalist teams.

Ms. Anne Desiree Ouloto Lamizana, Minister of State and Minister of the Civil Service and Modernization of Administration, paid a glowing tribute to the First Lady’s vision on behalf of the Minister of Sports. The Minister commended the long-standing humanitarian commitment demonstrated by Mrs. Dominique Ouattara through her Foundation. She emphasized that this holiday tournament, aimed at thousands of children, aligns perfectly with the human capital development and youth promotion policies championed by President Alassane Ouattara. She also reaffirmed the Ministry of Sports' full support for the success of this 17th edition.

Mr. Amadou Kone, Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs and President of the Union of Cities and Municipalities of Côte d’Ivoire (UVICOCI), also paid tribute to the decades-long social and humanitarian commitment to children and underprivileged populations.

Mr. Malick Tohe, First Vice-President of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), welcomed this initiative. In his view, the football tournament played for the Dominique Ouattara Cup serves as a platform for scouting talent and identifying the future stars of Ivorian football.

It is worth noting that through this competition, the Children Of Africa Foundation reaffirms its commitment to using sport as a vehicle for human development, education, and social inclusion. Seventeen years after its inception, the Dominique Ouattara Cup continues to provide thousands of Ivorian children with a healthy recreational environment, while contributing to their physical, social, and moral well-being.