On Monday, 30 June 2025, at the Singrobo-Ahouaty Hydroelectric Development Project site in the department of Taabo, Minister of Culture and Francophonie Françoise Remarck and Swiss Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider signed an agreement on the import, export and return of cultural property, proceeded to inaugurate the first wing of the very first archaeological museum in Côte d'Ivoire and indeed in all of West Africa. The ceremonies took place in the presence of Mr. Pierre N'gou Dimba, Minister of Health and Public Hygiene and President of the Agneby-Tiassa Regional Council, as well as Mr. Etty Ekolan Alain, President of Ivoire Hydro Energy, administrative and traditional authorities, and local elected officials.

It should be noted that this project stems from the partnership signed in 2019 between the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie and the company Ivoire Hydro Energy, relating to the preservation of archaeological remains discovered during the construction of the Singrobo-Ahauty hydroelectric dam.

According to Minister Françoise Remarck, ‘the construction of this museum is the first step in a vast project to create a national archaeology centre, which will position Côte d'Ivoire as a benchmark on the continent in this field and as one of the pioneers in the sub-region.’ The museum will also become a true scientific, educational and tourist attraction, dedicated to the conservation, study and promotion of archaeological remains that were previously scattered and sometimes in a precarious state. These pieces will now benefit from optimal conditions for presentation to the public.

During this double ceremony, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider proudly acknowledged that this project strengthens the relationship of trust between Switzerland and Côte d'Ivoire, promoting exchange, competence and expertise on an equal footing.