Edua Michel, a skilled mason from Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire, has emerged as the winner of the second edition of the Maçon Bélier 2026 competition. The event, organized by LafargeHolcim Côte d'Ivoire, took place on October 10, 2026, at the CP1 place in Yopougon, Abidjan. Michel outshone 14 other contestants from various parts of the country, including Kouakou Amani and Kouassi Kouadio from Abengourou, who finished second and third, respectively.
The Maçon Bélier competition aims to recognize and promote the expertise of Ivorian masons while encouraging best practices in the construction sector. The contestants were evaluated on their technical skills and ability to execute a project in accordance with industry standards. The competition's format included a practical test that lasted over an hour, during which participants were assessed on their mastery of construction techniques and capacity to deliver a quality project.
As the winner, Edua Michel received a prize of one million FCFA and three tons of cement. The runner-up, Kouakou Amani, was awarded 500,000 FCFA and two tons of cement, while the third-place finisher, Kouassi Kouadio, received 300,000 FCFA and half a ton of cement. All three laureates will also benefit from capacity-building sessions organized by LafargeHolcim Côte d'Ivoire to further enhance their skills.
Edua Michel has been working as a mason for nearly nine years. He holds a qualification in building and civil engineering from Togo, where he studied before setting up his own business in Côte d'Ivoire. Michel's work involves executing various small-scale projects and construction jobs. His win is a testament to his expertise and dedication to his craft.
The competition's jury, led by engineer Evra Kouassi, assessed the contestants based on several technical criteria, including wall verticality and horizontality, squareness, joint thickness, site cleanliness, and adherence to the project plan. Kouassi encouraged the participants to make the most of the capacity-building sessions to improve their technical competencies and contribute to delivering high-quality projects.
LafargeHolcim Côte d'Ivoire's Managing Director, Mohamed Kharraki, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work displayed during the final. He praised the contestants for their precision, material optimization, and aesthetic finishes. Kharraki also announced that the company plans to continue the initiative with a third edition scheduled for 2027, which will aim to further enhance the competition and expand its national impact.
The Maçon Bélier 2026 competition visited several cities across Côte d'Ivoire, including Korhogo, Bouaké, Abengourou, Grand-Bassam, and Bingerville, to identify regional talents who would compete in the national final. The event has not only recognized outstanding masons but also provided a platform for them to network and develop their skills.
Key points
- The competition promotes best practices in construction and recognizes skilled Ivorian masons.
- Edua Michel, from Bouaké, was crowned the winner of the second edition of the Maçon Bélier 2026 competition.
- The competition will continue with a third edition planned for 2027.
