Anzata Ouattara Wins National Excellence Award 2025 in Literature

Abidjan, August 5, 2025 - Ivorian writer and journalist Anzata Ouattara has been awarded the 2025 National Excellence Prize in Literature, one of the country’s highest honors, in recognition of her remarkable contribution to Ivorian literature and culture. The award was presented on August 4 at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan, during the 12th edition of the National Excellence Awards ceremony.

Organized annually by the government of Côte d’Ivoire, the National Excellence Prize rewards individuals and institutions who demonstrate outstanding achievement, integrity, and service to the nation in various sectors including education, science, sports, and the arts. A total of 74 laureates were recognized this year.

Anzata Ouattara was honored for her impactful literary work, particularly the popular series Les Coups de la vie (The Blows of Life), a collection of short stories inspired by real-life experiences that touch on social issues affecting Ivorian society. Her stories, first published in Go Magazine, gained national acclaim and were later adapted for television, further amplifying their reach.

Along with the official recognition, Ouattara received a trophy, a certificate signed by the President of the Republic, and a cash prize of 10 million CFA francs. The award not only highlights her influence as a storyteller but also celebrates her role in promoting reading, especially among women and youth, through her publishing house Mouna Éditions.

In a brief statement, Anzata Ouattara expressed deep gratitude:

"This award is not just for me, but for all the women who write, who tell our stories, who bring our realities to life on the page. I dedicate it to my readers, without whom none of this would be possible."

With this new distinction, Anzata Ouattara strengthens her position as one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most influential literary figures. She joins a growing list of personalities who have shaped the cultural and intellectual landscape of the nation through their talent, perseverance, and civic commitment.