Côte d’Ivoire marked its 2026 National Excellence Day on Monday with President Alassane Ouattara honoring 80 individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to national development.
The ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan, recognized achievements in public service, private enterprise, community development, innovation, and governance. Laureates received trophies, certificates, and CFA 10 million cash prizes.
This year’s honorees included 45 individuals — 33 men, 11 women, and one couple — alongside 35 organizations spanning public administrations, private companies, local authorities, and community groups. The awards were selected from 1,977 applications reviewed by ministries, the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI), and the National Technical Committee.
President Ouattara praised the recipients as role models of responsibility and leadership, urging young Ivorians to embrace integrity and perseverance. “Excellence is an ambition accessible to everyone who cultivates hard work, perseverance, and discipline,” he said.
The President also announced a major reform of the awards program beginning in 2027. Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé will oversee changes aimed at strengthening sector-specific recognition while reserving national distinctions for exceptional achievements.
Mambé described the laureates as “the faces of an excellent Côte d’Ivoire” and unveiled plans for specialized government units to support awardees and promote their work.
Established 13 years ago, National Excellence Day has become a flagship state event celebrating merit, innovation, integrity, and good governance. The 2026 edition will be remembered both for honoring 80 laureates and for laying the groundwork for a renewed awards program.
