Ivory Coast celebrated outstanding achievements on August 4, 2025, as 74 distinguished recipients gathered at the Salle des Pas Perdus in the Presidential Palace, Abidjan, for the 12th National Excellence Award ceremony.
The event, presided over by President Alassane Ouattara, recognised 40 individuals and 34 organisations for their exceptional contributions across diverse fields.
Awardees represented a broad spectrum of society, including top pupils and students, dedicated agricultural workers, skilled artisans, traders, civil servants, business leaders, public and private sector executives, artists, and athletes.
Each honouree received a trophy, a diploma personally signed by the President, and a cheque for 10 million CFA francs.
Addressing the recipients, President Ouattara said, “Dear winners, I would like to extend my warmest and most sincere congratulations for the values of excellence that you have embodied.
You have brilliantly distinguished yourselves in specific fields through your exceptional qualities, which make you true role models for our nation. We are proud of you.”
He urged them to “persevere in your efforts and to remain role models by relying on your personal qualities, which have been rewarded today. You must always strive to do better to reflect the values of exemplarity and excellence in all circumstances.”
Highlighting the broader significance of the awards, the President emphasised that “the National Excellence Award is an opportunity to reaffirm our desire to make Côte d’Ivoire a land of opportunity where success, constant commitment and the culture of merit lead to success.”
Among the laureates was 17-year-old N’Zoré Prince-Ezechiel Aka, a graduate of Yamoussoukro Scientific High School and winner of the best baccalaureate student prize for 2025. Aka, who achieved a historic 374 out of 400 points—an average of 18.70 out of 20—expressed his honour and gratitude. “I am honoured to receive this prize, which encourages me to remain the best,” he said, acknowledging the President’s emphasis on excellence.
Literature was also celebrated, with author Anzata Ouattara receiving the Prize for Excellence in Literature for her book Les Coups de la vie, which has inspired television adaptations. Reflecting on her accolade, she described the moment as “memorable” and “a call to inspire others.”
This ceremony reaffirms Ivory Coast’s commitment to recognising merit, talent, and dedication as pillars of national progress and inspiration.
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