The new Parc citoyen de Conakry, spanning 13 hectares, was officially inaugurated on September 30, 2026, in a ceremony presided over by Djiba Diakité, minister and director of the presidential cabinet. The park is a significant addition to Conakry, offering a space for sports, culture, leisure, and youth activities. Funded by Rio Tinto as part of its social responsibility for the Simandou project, the park aligns with Guinea's national program Simandou 2040, focusing on health and well-being.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the minister secretary general of the presidency, members of the government, and senior military officers. Kadé Camara, deputy managing director of Guinea Development Board, highlighted the symbolic importance of the event, emphasizing that a nation's sovereignty is not only proclaimed in texts but also experienced in everyday life. She praised the work done by the Guinean company GPC and noted the park's role in showcasing Guinea's branding.
Rio Tinto's contribution to the project was a focal point of the discussions. Elias Scafidas, director of international operations at Rio Tinto, expressed his pride in the project's completion, attributing it to collective effort and commitment. He detailed the park's features, including twenty sports installations built to high standards, which will benefit families, athletes, and future generations. Scafidas emphasized that the park symbolizes opportunities for Guinea and demonstrates Rio Tinto's engagement with the country.
The park, designed and built by Guineans for Guineans, reflects Rio Tinto's commitment to local content. Scafidas highlighted the involvement of local talents and artists in the project's design. He thanked the Guinean authorities for their vision and leadership, enabling Rio Tinto to contribute to the country's development. Djiba Diakité, minister and director of the presidential cabinet, thanked Rio Tinto for its social and environmental responsibility, noting that the project illustrates the government's commitment to the Simandou 2040 program.
The minister announced plans for a future media library and urged citizens to take care of the park. The inauguration ceremony concluded with a football match featuring Guinean football legends, including Titi Camara, Kémoko Camara, and Fodé Mansaré. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, marking a festive closure to the inauguration ceremony. The event celebrated the launch of the new community space for Conakry's citizens.
The Parc citoyen de Conakry is an example of Guinea's urban modernization efforts, driven by partnerships with private companies like Rio Tinto. The project's success demonstrates the potential for collaboration between the government and private sector in delivering community-focused initiatives. As Guinea continues to develop its infrastructure, the Parc citoyen de Conakry serves as a model for future projects.
The park's impact on the local community will be significant, providing a space for recreation, sports, and cultural activities. The project's focus on inclusivity and community engagement aligns with Guinea's development goals. As the country looks to the future, initiatives like the Parc citoyen de Conakry will play a crucial role in shaping the nation's social and economic landscape.
Key points
- The Parc citoyen de Conakry was funded by Rio Tinto as part of its social responsibility for the Simandou project.
- The park features twenty sports installations built to high standards, benefiting families, athletes, and future generations.
- The project demonstrates Rio Tinto's commitment to local content, with the park designed and built by Guineans for Guineans.
