Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday commemorated the seventh edition of the World Day of African and Afro-descendant Culture (JMCA), underscoring a shared commitment to placing culture at the heart of public policy and national development.
Celebrated under the theme “African culture, engine of peace, unity and sustainable development,” the event brought together government officials, diplomats and community representatives to honour Africa’s shared heritage and cultural diversity.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Françoise Remarck, Ivorian Minister Henri N’Koumo highlighted the significance of the commemoration, describing culture as a vital force for global enlightenment through creativity and resilience.
He stressed that culture should no longer be regarded as a decorative element, but rather as a strategic tool for strengthening social cohesion, preventing conflict and driving sustainable development. According to him, culture also serves as a foundation for unity and a bridge between Africa and its diasporas.
Alafé Wakily, President of the Journée Mondiale de la Culture Africaine et Afro-descendante (JMCA) Côte d’Ivoire Committee, emphasised the growing impact and visibility of the initiative. He noted that the celebration, which began less than a decade ago in Togo, now rotates among host cities across Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting its expanding reach and relevance.
Patron of the ceremony and President of the Senate, Kandia Camara, used the occasion to urge young people to embrace Africa’s cultural heritage and harness it as a tool for social and economic transformation, particularly in the face of current global challenges.
Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Côte d’Ivoire’s role as a centre of African cultural influence and reaffirming that the continent’s unity is rooted in the recognition and celebration of its cultural foundations.
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