Investment in sport is taking off across Africa. Yet for Patricia Lorougnon, it has always been about investing in far more than her sport – basketball. It’s been about investing in young women and their capacity to transform society itself.
by Nahis Regis, bird story agency
On the basketball court of the Cité des Arts in Cocody, Abidjan, the rhythm is relentless. Balls bounce in quick succession, instructions echo across the court, and young women repeat drills with intensity. Some work on their footwork, others string together passes or reposition themselves on defense under the attentive eye of their coach. At the center of it all, one woman leads the session with precision: Patricia Lorougnon.
A former Ivorian international player, Lorougnon is one of the leading figures in basketball in Côte d’Ivoire. A former player for Africa Sports, Abidjan Basketball Club and ASEC Mimosas, her career spans generations. She also played internationally, notably in Tunisia and France. She holds nine Côte d’Ivoire championship titles, several national cups, and a career with the national team where she served as captain.
Today, her mission lies elsewhere. On the court, she coaches, corrects and motivates. Each session becomes a structured learning space where young girls develop not only their athletic skills but also their confidence.
“In the camps, we are able to discuss social issues such as hygiene, sexuality in school and sports environments, abortion and more. There are also coaching trainings, referee trainings, meaning opportunities within sports professions. The camps allow young girls to see sport differently, especially basketball, since that is our focus — basketball in a different way.”
Through this approach, basketball becomes a tool for education. The conversations go far beyond the court, touching on daily life, personal choices and the future of these young girls.
This work is part of a long-term vision. Through programs such as the PATLOR’S WOMEN BASKET-BALL CAMP, Lorougnon has already mentored hundreds of young girls, creating a real pool of talent and a space of expression for those who did not always have access to sport.
The idea is not entirely unique. Football development institutions are part of a new wave of investment in sports across the continent. The most famous of these might be the Ghanaian-founded Right To Dream Academy, now backed by Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour. Kingsley Pungong’s Rainbow Sports followed a similar model, while Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa has come at youth development by building basketball courts across the continent.
For Lorougnon, however, every trained player represents far more than individual progress. Where football has built inclusivity by encouraging women representation on the field, Lorougnon looks to her sport to build an inclusive society.
“Through these young girls, I see the influence of Ivorian basketball, African basketball, and women’s basketball worldwide. Because it is about the cause of women. It is wonderful to see them, to guide them, to train them, to give them advice — both in sport and in life — because they are young girls, and you have to talk to them about everything. Yes, there is sport, but there is life itself,” she explained.
This progress has not come without challenges. For a long time, access to sport for young girls was limited by social and cultural realities. Between family responsibilities, religious constraints and perceptions related to sportswear, basketball was not easily accessible to many.
“Today, we have many girls coming, but before it was difficult. Why was it difficult? Because there were barriers — cultural barriers, social barriers. When we say ‘young girl,’ we know what that means. Some have to take care of the household before coming to train. Others hide because they have to wear shorts or sports outfits. In general, sports equipment is not always adapted to their religion, so there were many small obstacles.”
In Cocody, inside her living room, Patricia Lorougnon sits in front of her computer. Images from her past appear on the screen: competitions, trophies, memories of a career defined by performance and consistency.
But beyond the achievements, it is the continuity of her commitment that stands out. After her playing career, she continued as a coach, mentor and contributor to the development of basketball, holding positions at both national and African levels.
This constant presence has made her a reference for the next generation.
Habibah Sangaré embodies this new generation. In her office, surrounded by trophies, her journey reflects that of a player who grew up in an environment where female role models are rare, yet essential. She was particularly influenced by Patricia Lorougnon.
For her, Lorougnon represents far more than a former player.
“She is one of the few women who truly played basketball in Côte d’Ivoire and continued even after she stopped playing. She continued through her actions and her presence, especially within the Ivorian championship. She is an example, a great example. It is even an honor for me to say that I am part of her very close circle. To be like her means continuing the work she started and passing it on to future generations,” Sangaré said.
Despite this progress, the development of women’s basketball in Côte d’Ivoire still faces structural challenges.
The lack of infrastructure, equipment and resources continues to limit access for young girls. In some areas of Abidjan, courts are scarce, equipment is insufficient, and structured coaching remains limited.
It is in this context that Téa Olivier, Deputy National Technical Director, emphasizes the importance of supporting such initiatives.
“If we want to succeed, we really need to encourage this type of activity so that girls can come into sport, because it is difficult — very, very difficult. When you assess the situation in Abidjan, especially in Cocody, there are no resources. There are no shoes, no balls, no courts. If we can plan and support this kind of activity, I believe more girls will become interested in basketball.”
Back on the court of the Cité des Arts, the young girls continue their training. Shots follow one another, runs intensify, and despite fatigue, none of them gives up.
In these repeated movements, something bigger is being built.
Through Patricia Lorougnon, basketball becomes a tool for empowerment, a space for learning and a lever for social transformation.
And on this court in Cocody, between dribbles and determined looks, the future of women’s basketball in Côte d’Ivoire may already be taking shape.
bird story agency
