Côte d’Ivoire lottery operator takes part in preparations for major West African Cultural Festival
Director General Dramane Coulibaly attended a coordination meeting in Dimbokro as organisers prepare for the 2026 Festival of Urban Music of Anoumabo.
Côte d’Ivoire.- Côte d’Ivoire’s national lottery operator (LONACI) has taken part in preparations for one of West Africa’s largest cultural festivals, with senior leadership participating in coordination efforts ahead of the 2026 event.
LONACI Director General, Dramane Coulibaly, attended a meeting on April 2 in Dimbokro. The gathering brought together local authorities, community representatives and organisers from the Ivorian music group Magic System, which founded the festival.
According to LONACI, the meeting formed part of a preparation mission linked to the decentralised activities of the 18th edition of the Festival of Urban Music of Anoumabo. The event is scheduled to take place from April 28 to May 3, 2026, with activities planned both in Abidjan and in Dimbokro.
In a statement, LONACI said the meeting “allowed organisers to engage with local residents and carry out the necessary follow-up to ensure the smooth running of the activities planned as part of the festival”.
The gathering brought together representatives of the Prefecture of the N’zi region, including the Secretary General representing the regional Prefect, alongside Yao Seraphin, who serves as Second Deputy Mayor of Dimbokro, as well as traditional leaders and community representatives.
Coulibaly, who also serves as First Deputy Mayor of Dimbokro, attended the meeting representing the city’s mayor, reflecting his dual role in both national lottery leadership and local governance.
The 2026 edition of the festival will be held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence: A Threat or an Opportunity for Africa?”, continuing the event’s tradition of combining music performances with public discussions on key development issues affecting the continent.
Founded by Magic System, the festival has grown into one of West Africa’s largest cultural events, attracting thousands of visitors each year and serving as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue on Africa’s social and economic development.
The meeting in Dimbokro concluded with a reception hosted by Coulibaly in honour of participants involved in the planning process.
