Faith Nyasuguta
Ivory Coast’s economic capital, Abidjan, has embarked on a significant initiative to rename streets and boulevards that previously bore names from its colonial past, replacing them with titles honoring Ivorian and African figures. This effort aims to foster a stronger connection between residents and the city’s development.
The renaming project, which began in 2021, has recently gained momentum with the installation of new street signs starting in March 2025. Notable changes include the transformation of the road connecting the airport to the city center from Valery Giscard d’Estaing Boulevard, named after a former French president, to Felix Houphouet-Boigny Boulevard, honoring Ivory Coast’s first president post-independence.
Similarly, Marseille Boulevard has been renamed Philippe Yace Boulevard, in tribute to the country’s first parliamentary speaker, and Boulevard de France now bears the name of Marie-Therese Houphouet-Boigny, the nation’s inaugural First Lady.
Alphonse N’Guessan, the urban planning official overseeing the project, emphasized the importance of street names reflecting the nation’s history and culture. He noted that the previous names were not widely used by the local populace and that the new names are selected in consultation with civil society groups and traditional leaders to ensure they resonate with the community.
The initiative is part of a broader $17 million project, partially funded by the World Bank, aimed at modernizing the city’s traffic and location systems to meet international standards. Beyond Abidjan, the plan extends to 15 other towns and cities across Ivory Coast, with the nationwide renaming process expected to conclude by 2030.
Urban planner Wayiribe Ismail Ouattara highlighted the significance of this move for the country’s youth, who comprise approximately 75% of the population under the age of 35. He pointed out that younger generations may not relate to colonial-era names and that adopting names of local heroes and cultural figures can instill a sense of pride and identity.
The public response to the renaming has been overwhelmingly positive. Franck Herve Mansou, a 31-year-old technician, expressed support for the changes, stating that streets should honor Ivorian revolutionaries and politicians to educate future generations about their heritage. Similarly, Jean Bruce Gneple, a salesman, praised the renaming of streets after national figures like President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, viewing it as a fitting tribute to their contributions.
While Ivory Coast maintains diplomatic ties with France, unlike some neighboring countries that have distanced themselves from their former colonizer, this street renaming project represents a conscious effort to reclaim and celebrate the nation’s post-colonial identity.
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