32 •
The Lion King
• July - September 2016
With its reserves of oil and gas esti-
mated at 100 million barrels, respec-
tively, and 30 billion m3, the oil sector is
beginning to take an important place
in the Ivorian economy. This sector is
a source of growth and offers invest-
ment prospects.
CULTURE
Ivorians are very warm and welcom-
ing. The first monument you meet on
your way out of the airport is called
“Akwaba” which means "Welcome" in
most Akan languages, widely spoken
in Cote d’Ivoire. With a strong sense of
humour, Ivorians are men and women
with few words but plenty smiles, an
image of Ivory Coast that will remain
etched in your memory when you visit
the country.
COUNTRY FOCUS |
CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Ivorian popular dish, Garba, has estab-
lished itself in the Ivorian gastronomic
identity. Consisting of a piece of fried
fresh tuna fish and attieke (Cassava
couscous), Garba is one of the most
consumed dishes in the Cote d’Ivoire.
It was named after the Hausa people
of Niger who are the main sellers of
this meal.
There is also alloco a type of fried
plantain usually served with fried fish
or chicken or boiled eggs, and foutou
(pounded plantains/ yams/cassava/
taro) accompanied with various sauc-
es and bushmeat.
“Maquis” in Ivory Coast are refresh-
ment stands serving drinks and or local
food with music in some cases. They
can be very small at a street corner.
In these places there are often vivid
discussions around topics ranging from
the most trivial issues to national topi-
cal issues, such as health policy, reli-
gion with casualness and a sense of
self-mockery found only in an Ivorian.
Abidjan is known for its warm and
crazy nights. And one of the hottest
places in Abidjan remains the com-
mon Yopougon with its famous “Rue
Princesse” (Princess Street) with its big
maquis and nightclubs, but also the
maquis Internat which is the temple
of zouglou pace, the cultural identity
of Ivory Coast. Besides Yopougon vari-
ous hot spots are available to visit at
night such as the following nightclubs:
40/40, Lifestar, New VIP, 5th Avenue,
Mix. They are very popular amongst
Ivorian Football stars and the African
show business when visiting.
N’Zi Railway bridge
is a viaduct built in the
Dimbokro city of now defunct N’Zi-Comoé
Region of Ivory Coast.
Photo by Denis Carrascosa / Flickr.com
