Dominique Ouattara Cup: The First Lady Launches the 17th Edition in 80 Localities Across the Country
First Lady Dominique Ouattara, President of the Children of Africa Foundation, officially launched the 17th edition of the Dominique Ouattara Cup football tournament on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Foundation’s headquarters in Cocody.
The ceremony took place in the presence of Anne Désirée Ouloto Lamizana, Minister of State, Minister of Public Service and Administrative Modernization, representing the Minister of Sports; Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs, Mayor of Bouaké and President of UVICOCI; as well as numerous dignitaries, local officials, partners, Ivorian football legends, and other sports figures.
Launched in 2008, the Dominique Ouattara Cup football tournament has become, over the years, a must-attend event during school holidays for thousands of children across the country.
This year, a total of 80 locations will host the competition, much to the delight of the youngsters. A total of 410,000 CFA francs will be awarded to the various locations as prizes for the winning teams. The winning teams will also receive the “Dominique Ouattara” trophy, a complete set of jerseys, and footballs. The total value of the prizes is 150 million CFA francs for all 80 locations.
In her address, the First Lady emphasized the special place this competition holds within the Children of Africa Foundation’s work to promote children’s well-being. Indeed, since 2008, the Dominique Ouattara Cup has pursued a clear objective: to offer young Ivorians healthy, enriching, and fulfilling school holidays. “As you know, football in Côte d’Ivoire is not just a sport. It is a shared passion, a common language that transcends generations and unites all communities,” stressed Mrs. Dominique Ouattara. For her, this competition is much more than a simple sports tournament. It represents a true tool for education and social integration.
Every year, thousands of girls and boys aged 7 to 15 participate in this adventure in various locations across the country. For many of them, this tournament is one of the most important moments of the school holidays. Beyond the enjoyment of the game, it allows them to develop essential qualities for their personal growth. “Through this friendly competition, we want to transmit values essential to all social development, namely teamwork, respect for others, discipline, and social cohesion,” explained the President of the Children of Africa Foundation. These values, she believes, help to shape responsible citizens who respect others and are committed to the development of their community.
This 2026 edition comes at a particularly favorable time for Ivorian football, marked by Côte d’Ivoire’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. This event fuels the dreams of an entire generation of young football enthusiasts. “What a wonderful symbol to be able to offer this sporting competition to our children, at a time when their heroes are shining on the world stage,” said the First Lady, convinced that the Elephants’ performances provide an additional source of motivation for the young participants.
Over the years, the Dominique Ouattara Cup has established itself as one of the most important football tournaments for children in Côte d’Ivoire. Its success rests on the unwavering commitment of the Children of Africa Foundation, as well as the mobilization of local communities, partners, and former national football stars who support each edition.
Speaking directly to the children, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara encouraged them to fully enjoy this experience and to believe in their dreams. “This tournament is yours; it is organized for you.” We do this because we want you to have a pleasant holiday. (…) And if one day you dream of wearing the jersey of our Elephants, remember that it all starts with you, so believe in your dreams,” she advised them.
As in previous years, the winning teams will receive the “Dominique Ouattara” trophy, a cash prize of 410,000 FCFA, complete sets of jerseys, and balls. Organizing this 17th edition represents a total investment of 150 million FCFA. Prizes will also be awarded to all finalist teams.
Ms. Anne Désirée Ouloto Lamizana, Minister of State, Minister of Public Service and Administrative Modernization, on behalf of the Minister of Sports, paid a vibrant tribute to the First Lady’s vision. The Minister celebrated Mrs. Dominique Ouattara’s humanitarian commitment through her Foundation over many years. She emphasized that this holiday tournament, intended for thousands of children, is perfectly aligned with the human capital development and youth promotion policy pursued by President Alassane Ouattara. She reaffirmed the Ministry of Sports’ full support for the success of this 17th edition.
Mr. Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs and President of the Union of Cities and Communes of Côte d’Ivoire (UVICOCI), also paid tribute to the social and humanitarian commitment undertaken over decades to benefit children and vulnerable communities.
Mr. Malick Tohé, First Vice-President of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), welcomed this initiative. He stated that the football tournament, endowed with the Dominique Ouattara Cup, serves as a platform for discovering talent and the future stars of Ivorian football.
It is worth noting that through this competition, the Children of Africa Foundation reaffirms its commitment to using sport as a tool for human development, education, and social inclusion. Seventeen years after its creation, the Dominique Ouattara Cup continues to provide thousands of Ivorian children with a healthy recreational environment, while contributing to their physical, social, and moral development.
