The Ministry of Sports of Ivory Coast officially launched its 2026 administrative year this Monday, February 23, at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ébimpé , on the occasion of the traditional New Year's greetings ceremony .

The meeting was marked by the massive presence of actors from the national sports movement and offered Minister Adjé Silas Metch the opportunity to present the main directions that will guide the action of his department during the year.

A ceremony under the banner of unity and commitment

The ceremony brought together cabinet members, central and regional directors, sports federation officials, and institutional partners.

All expressed their wishes for health, peace and success to Minister Silas Metch, praising his leadership and the progress made in the Ivorian sports sector.

In an atmosphere of cohesion, the various stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the ministry to meet the challenges ahead.

"Aiming for excellence and performance": the watchwords for 2026

Addressing the assembly, Adjé Silas Metch stressed that the year 2025 will have been marked by significant progress, thanks in particular to the modernization of infrastructure, the rise in power of federations and the honorable participation of Côte d'Ivoire on the international stage.

The minister then outlined the main priorities that will guide his department's actions in 2026, with excellence, rigor, and performance as key principles. He particularly emphasized:

-Modernisation and maintenance of sports infrastructure;

-Strengthening the training of supervisors and technicians;

-The detection and support of young talents;

-Active preparation for major international events;

-The promotion of governance based on ethics, transparency and accountability.

"We have completed the past year in the annals of the past. The new year presents us with great challenges," he said, calling on those involved in the sporting movement to aim for ever-higher performances for the prestige of the nation .

Sport: a lever for social cohesion and national influence

The minister also stated that sport goes far beyond physical activity, highlighting its role as a driver of national unity , economic dynamism , and international influence .

He encouraged stronger solidarity among the various stakeholders, while emphasizing discipline, commitment and professionalization as keys to collective success.

Prospects for the sporting year

Among the priority areas, the minister announced the upcoming opening of sports-study classes, the revival of school sports, as well as measures to guarantee good governance of structures benefiting from public subsidies.



In concluding his speech, Adjé Silas Metch launched a message of optimism and general mobilization: "Yes, we can. Yes, we must," hoping that 2026 would be a year marked by cohesion, convincing results and increased influence of Ivorian sport on the continental and world stage.