By Emmanuel Nduka
In a move to honor its heritage and reshape its urban identity, Côte d’Ivoire is replacing colonial-era French street names in Abidjan with names celebrating local history and figures.
The capital’s airport road, once named after former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, is now Felix Houphouet-Boigny Boulevard—after the country’s first post-independence leader.
Similar changes are happening across the city, where Marseille Boulevard is now Philippe Yacé Boulevard, and Boulevard de France has been renamed for Marie-Thérèse Houphouet-Boigny, the nation’s first First Lady.
Alphonse N’Guessan, the urban planning official overseeing the $17 million initiative, says the change is about modernization and cultural recognition. “A name must reflect our history, our culture,” he explained. Though the renaming process began in 2021, new signs started appearing in March 2025.
The broader effort, supported by the World Bank, will expand to 15 other cities and conclude by 2030.
Names are being selected through consultation with civil society and traditional leaders, honoring Ivorian politicians, artists, scientists, and national ideals.
Urban planner Wayiribe Ismail Ouattara emphasized the symbolic shift for a country where 75% of the population is under 35. “A young person walking past a colonial name won’t feel the same connection as one honoring a national figure.”
Local residents have largely welcomed the move. “These names should belong to Ivorian revolutionaries and leaders,” said Franck Herve Mansou, a 31-year-old technician. Another local, Jean Bruce Gneple, added, “This is a tribute to President Houphouet-Boigny. We are proud.”
