Unveiling ‘AKWABA  …AFCON 2023 Mascot

The Akwaba Mascot

 The Organising Com­mittee (COCAN) in collaboration with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and CAF, unveiled the official Mascot of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 in Abidjan a couple days ago.

The official Mascot, named “AKWABA”, was introduced to the Ivorian people during a launch event in Abidjan, signifying the commencement of the 190-day countdown to the kick-off of the event. The opening match of the competi­tion will be played on January 13, 2023.

AKWABA, a word derived from a local Ivorian language meaning welcome, encap­sulates essential values that make it a powerful symbol of the competition: hospitality, friendship, generosity, and team spirit.

The Mascot offers an au­thentic experience of Ivorian hospitality, connects with fans, players, and nations, and cel­ebrates the spirit of teamwork by promoting cooperation, mutual respect, and fair play.

As the official image of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, representing the Ivorian iden­tity and draws inspiration from the country’s iconic elephant, Akwaba is now the face of the competition.

The Journey of Selecting ‘Akwaba’

Just over a year ago, an open and inclusive competi­tion was organised to allow all talented individuals to express themselves and create the mascot for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

The top three winners of the competition were: KOUA­DIO N’Guessan Raoul Frédéric (1st place), COULIBALY Kixa Pemanh Mamadou (2nd place), and BROU Blah (3rd place).