The 10th Children of Africa Gala is scheduled to take place on October 9, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès du Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The event, organized by the First Lady, Dominique Ouattara, president of the Children of Africa Foundation, will bring together prominent figures from music, football, film, and business. The gala aims to raise funds for the construction and development of a youth center.
The music industry will be represented by notable artists such as Marc Lavoine, Alpha Blondy, Youssou N'Dour, Koffi Olomidé, Gims, Dadju, Fally Ipupa, and many others. The football world will also be in attendance, with former African football stars Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o expected to attend. The event will feature a range of activities, including a charity auction and a dinner.
The theme of the 10th Children of Africa Gala is "Lumières d'Afrique: Ensemble pour une jeunesse qui brille" (African Lights: Together for a Brilliant Youth). The event aims to raise at least five billion CFA francs to fund the construction and development of a youth center in Treichville, Abidjan. The youth center, designed by architect Fadi Mouawad, will feature sports, art, culture, and leisure facilities.
The youth center will be built on a 1.6-hectare site in Treichville, overlooking the Ebrié lagoon. The project is inspired by traditional African village designs and the lagoon environment. The center will cover an area of 3,604 square meters and feature approximately 7,500 square meters of outdoor spaces.
In addition to the gala, October 9, 2026, will also mark the inauguration of the extension of the pediatric cardiac surgery unit at the Dominique Ouattara Mother-Child Hospital in Bingerville. The extension was made possible through funds raised during the 9th Children of Africa Gala.
The 10th Children of Africa Gala is part of the ongoing efforts of the Children of Africa Foundation to improve the lives of children and young people. The foundation, led by First Lady Dominique Ouattara, has been working to promote the well-being and development of young people in Africa.
Several prominent African and international figures are expected to attend the gala, including First Ladies from Benin and Angola, Nathalie Villette-Wadagni and Ana Dias Lourenço, respectively. Other notable attendees include Franck Dubosc, Adriana Karembeu, Isaach de Bankolé, and Olivia Yacé, Miss France 2018.
Key points
- The 10th Children of Africa Gala aims to raise at least five billion CFA francs for the construction and development of a youth center in Treichville, Abidjan.
- The event will feature a range of prominent figures from music, football, film, and business.
- The youth center project is designed to promote the well-being and development of young people in Africa.
