By Tayo Adeyemo in Abidjan
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the ongoing FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship has expressed confidence that hosting the tournament will significantly benefit Côte d’Ivoire’s economy and sports development.
Speaking on the sidelines of the competition, Director of Competition, Coulibaly Soulemane, said the tournament has already brought a positive impact, attracting tourists and boosting local economic activity.
“The Afrobasket is not just a sporting event; it’s an economic driver,” said Coulibaly, a former coach of the Ivorian junior national team.
“We’ve seen a remarkable influx of tourists, and the enthusiasm of fans attending games shows how much the event is contributing to both the economy and basketball awareness in our country.”
He noted that the growing interest in basketball among the youth is a promising sign for the sport’s future.
“With so many children watching matches at the Palais des Sports, we’re confident this will inspire the next generation of basketball players in Côte d’Ivoire.”
Coulibaly also emphasized the importance of maintaining the legacy of the tournament.
“We are committed to ensuring that all four basketball courts used during the championship are properly maintained after the event. The investment in infrastructure and public interest is something we want to preserve.”