Dine With Us Lunch Series continues with a presentation on Ivory Coast

Akoko explained that his country in west Africa is bordered by Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, the Gulf of Guinea, and the Atlantic Ocean. Although the country used to be known as Ivory Coast, it is now formally known as the French translation, Côte D’Ivoire.

“Some people say we came from Ghana, and that's why we have similarities in our culture,” Akoko said.

He said some of the tribes in Ivory Coast include Akan, Malinké, Bété, and Sénoufo.

Akoko said five main economic resources for the country are coffee, cocoa, gold, diamonds, and palm oil.

“Although our main exports are coffee and cocoa, we don’t drink a lot of those in my country,” Akoko said.

The country's tourism sector increased due to hosting and winning the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Akoko said. The games opened Ivory Coast to a large inflow of people, who stayed and opened businesses, which helped the economy, Akoko said. Wildlife parks such as Comoe National Park also serve as a source of revenue.

The country gained its independence from France in 1960 and elected the first post-colonial president Félìx Houphouët-Boigny. He is considered the nation’s father and developer and governed from 1960 through 1993. Henri Konan Bédié ruled from 1993 through 1999 during a time of economic challenges and political unrest before he was overthrown in a military coup. Laurent Gbagbo won the presidency in 2000 and maintained power until 2011 when Alassane Ouattara took over. He currently promotes efforts for economic recovery and modernization, according to Akoko.