Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – March 19, 2026 – The Abidjan Basketball Club (ABC), one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most decorated basketball teams, announced today a new partnership with Lapaire, the leading optics and eyewear network in West Africa. The collaboration, unveiled this morning, aims to bolster the growth of professional basketball in Côte d’Ivoire while simultaneously supporting local communities.
The alliance between ABC and Lapaire is built on shared values of accessibility, performance, and social impact. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the development of professional basketball within Côte d’Ivoire, a nation increasingly focused on its sporting potential. Lapaire will serve as a trusted partner to ABC for the 2025-2026 season.
A Shared Vision for Ivorian Basketball
“This partnership with Lapaire is a perfect illustration of what we’ve been building at ABC for nearly three decades: a club deeply rooted in its community, surrounded by partners who share our vision of accessible and ambitious sport,” said Boubakari Touré, President of Abidjan Basketball Club. “We are proud to welcome a brand so committed to these principles.”
The partnership extends beyond simple branding. Lapaire will gain visibility across ABC’s social media platforms and will implement targeted activations throughout the season to connect with players and fans. Though, the agreement also prioritizes initiatives with a tangible social impact, focusing on vision health awareness among young athletes within the ABC training program. This will include providing consultations and supporting local talent development programs.
Lewis N’dri, Country Manager for Côte d’Ivoire at Lapaire, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting local talent. “At Lapaire, we support sporting, cultural, and educational initiatives that promote local talent. Working alongside ABC Fighters is a real pleasure for us and an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of vision health in sport,” N’dri stated.
Timing Aligns with Growth in African Basketball
This partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for basketball in Africa. The burgeoning Basketball Africa League (BAL), the expansion of professional leagues across the continent, and increasing investor interest in African sports all contribute to a dynamic and optimistic landscape. ABC aims to solidify its position as a leading club regionally, and this partnership with Lapaire is a key component of that strategy.
Lapaire, for its part, continues its strategic expansion across the continent, strengthening its presence within the sports and cultural ecosystem. The company joins a growing number of businesses recognizing the commercial and emotional potential of professional sports in West Africa. The Ivorian market, in particular, is seeing increased investment as its sporting infrastructure and athlete development programs mature.
Founded in 1997, Abidjan Basket Club has a rich history of success, boasting 22 Ivorian Championships and a FIBA Africa Champions Cup title from 2005. The team plays its home games at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, a 3,500-capacity arena that frequently hosts high-stakes matches. The club was rebranded as ABC Fighters in 2021, signaling a renewed focus on competitive excellence.
Lapaire, established as the first accessible optics network in West Africa, brings a unique focus to the partnership. The company’s commitment to providing affordable and quality vision care aligns with ABC’s dedication to supporting the well-being of its athletes and the broader community. This collaboration represents a synergy between two organizations dedicated to fostering growth and opportunity within Côte d’Ivoire.
The partnership between ABC and Lapaire isn’t just about basketball; it’s about investing in the future of Ivorian athletes and promoting a healthy lifestyle within the community. The focus on vision health, in particular, highlights the importance of often-overlooked aspects of athletic performance and overall well-being.
As ABC prepares for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season, and looks ahead to future competitions, including potential participation in the Basketball Africa League, this partnership with Lapaire provides a strong foundation for continued success. The collaboration promises to elevate the profile of both organizations and contribute to the growing momentum of basketball in Côte d’Ivoire and across the African continent.
ABC Fighters will next face [Opponent to be confirmed] on [Date to be confirmed] at the Palais des Sports de Treichville. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on the partnership and ABC’s performance throughout the season.
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