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Ivory Coast Ditches Colonial French Names | Firstpost Africa | N18G

Ivory Coast is renaming streets across its capital, Abidjan, replacing French colonial names with those of Ivorian leaders, artists, and cultural icons. The move is part of a $17 million modernisation effort, backed by the World Bank, to update the country’s address system and reflect national identity. Once named after French president Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, a major road now honours Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the country’s first post-independence president. Other changes include swapping Marseille Boulevard for Philippe Yacé Boulevard, named after the first parliamentary speaker. Urban planning officials say the old names held little meaning for younger Ivorians, who make up 75% of the population. The renaming aims to help citizens better connect with their heritage while modernising infrastructure. The renaming project will expand nationwide by 2030.

Ivory Coast Ditches Colonial French Names | Firstpost Africa | N18G

https://media.nw18.com/media-assets/wbx6pq/ab26b520-1aa7-44ff-8e01-917b9a24b4d2/05-2025/13-2025/XwWnxzQlVq-F5LydpfeK10105-IVORY-COAST-CHANGES-FRENCH-NAMESSHORTSmp4-JYgz5kcJw9/1080highp-h264.mp4