Abidjan is the scene of an unprecedented government mobilization. On the eve of the kick-off of Olympique de Marseille's Summer Tour (scheduled from July 15 to 18, 2026), the Ministers of Tourism, Sports and Culture have demonstrated their synergy to maximize the visibility of the Ivorian destination.

During a joint press conference held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, Siandou Fofana, Adjé Silas Metch and Françoise Remarck presented a common vision: to transform this sporting event into a powerful lever for economic and cultural attractiveness.

A historic bridge between OM and Ivory Coast

The Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Siandou Fofana, highlighted the tremendous media and economic impact expected. Olympique de Marseille enjoys a unique fervor in Côte d'Ivoire, fueled by its history. The Minister made sure to recall the Ivorian legends who have written the most glorious chapters in the history of the Marseille club, from Basile Boli to Didier Drogba, including Baky Koné, Abdoulaye Méité, Ibrahima Bakayoko, and Cyrille Domoraud.

The main program of the tour

Designed as a crossroads between sport, entertainment and heritage, the program for this Summer Tour promises to be intense:

1. Exchanges and citizenship: Direct encounters with Ivorian youth.
2. Local influence: Activities promoting tourism and culture.
3. The clash on the pitch: The highlight of the tour will take place this Friday in the late afternoon at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan. OM will face Yamoussoukro FC , a partner club through its academy, in a preseason match.
4. The gala match: As a curtain-raiser, a symbolic confrontation will pit members of the Ivorian government against the Olympian staff.

Sport and Culture: The New Engines of the Economy

For Adjé Silas Metch (Sports), hosting Olympique de Marseille validates the quality of national infrastructure and reinforces Côte d'Ivoire's status as a major player in world sport. Françoise Remarck (Culture and Francophonie) praised the initiative, which uses football as a vehicle for cultural exchange and a powerful ambassador for Ivorian talent on the international stage.

The objective is clear: To capitalize on the global renown of OM and the richness of Ivorian culture to firmly consolidate the country's position as the must-visit destination in Africa.