The citizen park of Conakry, Guinea, officially opened on September 30, 2026, after a ceremony presided over by Djiba Diakité, Minister and Director of the Presidential Cabinet. The event was attended by government officials, representatives of Rio Tinto, and other dignitaries. The park, entirely funded by Rio Tinto, provides a new infrastructure for the people of Conakry to engage in sports, leisure, culture, and community life.
The park spans over 13 hectares and features several sports facilities, including a FIFA-standard football field, tennis, and basketball courts. The park is part of the Simandou 2040 program and aims to improve the quality of life in Conakry. According to the Guinea Development Board, the park will contribute to the transformation of Conakry's living environment and become a symbol of Guinea's freedom and creativity.
The Director General of International Operations at Rio Tinto emphasized the collective nature of the project and the company's commitment to supporting structuring initiatives in Guinea. The park was designed and built by Guinean talents and artists, reflecting Rio Tinto's engagement in favor of local content and celebrating Guinean creativity and know-how.
The park's realization is a result of collaboration between various actors, including the Ministry of Mines, the Ministry of Urbanism, Housing, and Territorial Planning, the ACGP, Rio Tinto, and the Guinean company GPC. The park's director, representing the Guinea Development Board, highlighted its cultural dimension, aiming to become a vibrant cultural hub for music, dance, handicrafts, gastronomy, and Guinean creativity.
President of the Simandou Strategic Committee, Djiba Diakité, linked the park's inauguration to the Simandou 2040 program, specifically its health and well-being pillar. He emphasized that the park illustrates the government's vision to create spaces that improve the well-being of the population, particularly young people and the elderly.
The park's realization is part of a broader development plan for Conakry, which includes other infrastructure projects such as the Conakry urban park, Camayenne-Plage, and Bassikolo. The government plans to continue developing the site, including the construction of a media library to serve as a knowledge hub for young people and future generations.
The inauguration of the citizen park of Conakry marks a significant milestone in the country's development, providing a new public space for sports, leisure, and cultural activities. The park's stakeholders have called on the population to take ownership of the park and contribute to its preservation, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Key points
- The park was entirely funded by Rio Tinto and offers a range of sports, leisure, and cultural activities to the people of Conakry.
- The park is part of the Simandou 2040 program and aims to improve the quality of life in Conakry.
- The park's realization is a result of collaboration between various actors, including government agencies, Rio Tinto, and Guinean companies.
