With the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games just months away, surfing is gaining momentum in Côte d’Ivoire. Driven by the emergence of new clubs, the organisation of competitions and growing interest among young people, the sport is gradually establishing itself along the Ivorian coastline. This growth is being supported by the International Olympic Committee and key players in African surfing.
Once practised by only a handful of enthusiasts, surfing is now experiencing significant growth in Côte d’Ivoire. The beaches of Assinie and Grand-Bassam are attracting an increasing number of young people eager to take up the sport. This growth is being driven by the establishment of new clubs, the organisation of competitions such as the Côte d’Ivoire Surf Open, and development initiatives led by Africa Surf International.
The federation’s aim through these competitions is to identify and develop talented athletes, build a national team and enable them to represent Côte d’Ivoire on the international stage.
Sylvain Kouao , Vice-President, Ivorian Surfing and Board Sports Federation
To encourage more young people to take up the sport, the authorities are focusing on training athletes, women and technical coaches. Included among the ten sports featured in the International Olympic Committee’s engagement programme, surfing is expected to attract a new generation of African athletes. With 566 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, Côte d’Ivoire has natural advantages that make it an ideal setting for the development of water sports and the emergence of new talent.
I want Ivorian surfing to gain international recognition. European countries are known for surfing, but we have talent too. I want to show the world that I am Ivorian and that I can surf.
Fatoumata Bolde , Female Surfer
Beyond athletic performance, surfing is also a powerful tool for raising awareness about ocean conservation, environmental protection and personal development. For Côte d’Ivoire, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games represent a major catalyst for the growth of the sport. Although challenges remain, particularly in coach training, access to equipment, club development and the organisation of competitions, the outlook is promising. With its favourable coastline and growing interest among young people, Ivorian surfing now aims to establish itself as one of Africa’s emerging sports.
