Le Abidjan Exhibition Centre (PEA) was officially inaugurated on 17 July by Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Vice-President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. Strategically located at Abidjan Port-Bouëtnext to theFélix Houphouët-Boigny airportIt occupies no less than 16 hectares. It also boasts the status of the largest exhibition centre in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa, with a capacity of 12,000 people. The project will cost some 115 million euros (FCFA 75 billion). Launched in February 2020However, its genesis dates back to Expo 1985 and President Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
An integral part of the "Aérocité" project, the complex designed by architect Pierre Fakhoury is intended to be multi-purpose. Its vast exhibition hall (7,200 m²), with a 15-metre ceiling, can be subdivided into two or even three exhibition spaces. As for the Convention Center (9,000 m² and 35 metres high) it takes the form of a large central nave. The system of retractable bleachers will enable it to increase its seating capacity from 5,000 to 10,000 standing guests. The Convention Centre's 30m-long screen is said to be one of the largest in the world.
The Vice-President of the Republic describes "an iconic work", "a legendary project", "a showcase for Côte d'Ivoire's dynamic economy on an international scale". "The completion of this major project will contribute to the structural transformation of our economy. The PEA will enable our country to host major national and international economic events. Its operation will generate direct and indirect employment in the agricultural, hotel, commercial and tourism sectors, etc."Tiémoko Meyliet Koné predicts.
In addition to the festivities scheduled for 19 and 22 July to mark its inauguration, the Parc des Expositions d'Abidjan will be hosting the next edition of the Made in Côte d'Ivoire Fair, the 6th Abidjan International Agriculture and Animal Resources Fair (SARA), the 5th Marché Ivoirien de l'Artisanat (MIVA), and the Archibat 2023 event.
