The Parc Citoyen de Conakry was officially opened on September 30, 2026, in a ceremony presided over by Djiba DIAKITÉ, Minister and Director of the Presidential Cabinet. The 13-hectare complex, funded by Rio Tinto, features 20 sports installations, including a FIFA-standard football field, and aims to promote sports, leisure, culture, and community life. The park is located near the 8-November bridge in Kaloum, Conakry.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by a high-level presidential delegation, government members, public administration officials, Rio Tinto representatives, and former Guinean football stars. Kadé CAMARA, Deputy Managing Director of the Guinea Development Board (GDB), highlighted the park's role in enhancing Conakry's attractiveness and promoting local content. She emphasized that the park will serve as a cultural hub, showcasing Guinean music, dance, craftsmanship, and cuisine.
Elias SCAFIDAS, Rio Tinto's Director of International Iron Ore Operations, expressed the company's satisfaction with the project's completion. He noted that the park was designed and built by Guineans for Guineans, reflecting Rio Tinto's commitment to local content. SCAFIDAS praised the project's teams, including GPC, engineers, architects, and workers, for their contributions to the park's development.
Djiba DIAKITÉ hailed the park's opening as a milestone in the Simandou 2040 program's "Health and Well-being" pillar. He recalled the site's transformation from a neglected area to a vibrant public space, symbolizing national unity and community. DIAKITÉ announced plans to build additional cultural infrastructure, including a media center, and emphasized the importance of preserving the park for future generations.
The park's first phase is expected to be followed by further extensions, with plans for more sports facilities, cultural events, and community activities. Authorities have called on the public, particularly young people, to take ownership of the park and ensure its preservation. Kadé CAMARA urged the youth to make the park a lively and protected space, while DIAKITÉ emphasized the need for collective responsibility in maintaining the site.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a symbolic handover of the park's keys from Rio Tinto to the Guinean authorities. The event ended with a sports festival, showcasing the park's potential as a hub for community activities. The park's opening is seen as a significant achievement for Rio Tinto's local development initiatives and the Guinean government's efforts to promote national unity and well-being.
The Parc Citoyen de Conakry is expected to have a positive economic impact on the local community, generating opportunities in event management, catering, and services. The park's development reflects the collaboration between Rio Tinto, the Guinean government, and local stakeholders, demonstrating a shared commitment to promoting sustainable development and community engagement.
Key points
- The Parc Citoyen de Conakry features 20 sports installations, including a FIFA-standard football field.
- The park was designed and built by Guineans for Guineans, reflecting Rio Tinto's commitment to local content.
- The park's development is part of the Simandou 2040 program's "Health and Well-being" pillar, aiming to promote national unity and community.
