The article above presents the Alassane-Ouattara stadium, also known as the “Ébimpé Olympic Stadium”, which will host the opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. This stadium, with a capacity of 60,000 places, was built thanks to a donation from China to Ivory Coast, with an estimated cost of around 250 million euros.
This stadium construction project is part of the major investments made by the Ivorian government to host this major sporting event. Indeed, the organization of the African Cup of Nations cost Côte d’Ivoire nearly $1.5 billion, according to various sources and statistics relayed by the international media.
In addition to the construction of the stadium, the Ivorian government has also invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the renovation and construction of roads, particularly in the country’s economic capital, Abidjan. These road infrastructures aim to improve traffic and relieve congestion in the city, in order to facilitate the movement of players, spectators and visitors during the competition.
Among the projects carried out, we can cite the construction of the third bridge in Abidjan, the renovation of the Coastal road linking Abidjan to the port of San-Pedro, as well as the extension of the highway linking Abidjan to Yamoussoukro up to Bouaké, where there is another stadium.
In addition, the Ivorian government has also planned the inauguration of the fifth Abidjan bridge, as well as the construction of the Y4 bypass road and the Yopougon bridge, which are expected to be delivered to the population by the end of the year 2023.
All these infrastructures and developments demonstrate the commitment of the Ivorian government to create an environment conducive to the holding of the African Cup of Nations and to offer a quality experience to participants and visitors.
In conclusion, the construction of the Alassane-Ouattara stadium and the investments made in road infrastructure demonstrate the involvement of Côte d’Ivoire in the organization of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. These projects aim to provide facilities quality and to improve mobility in the capital and its surroundings, in order to ensure the smooth running of the event and to promote the country as a sporting and tourist destination.