Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple Opens Its Doors

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has commenced the public open house for its newly completed Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple, marking a significant milestone for the faith’s presence in West Africa. The open house begins on May 1 and will continue through May 17, 2025, excluding Sundays, offering the public an opportunity to tour the sacred edifice before its dedication.

Situated in the Cocody district of Abidjan, the temple stands as the first of its kind in Côte d’Ivoire and the seventh on the African continent. The structure reflects a blend of modern design and traditional African motifs, symbolizing the Church’s commitment to cultural integration and spiritual reverence.

The temple’s dedication is scheduled for May 25, 2025, and will be officiated by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The dedicatory session will be broadcast to congregations within the temple district, allowing widespread participation in this historic event.

“Without a doubt, the temple is truly the house of the Lord. This Temple is God’s answer to countless prayers offered in faith by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It marks the end of long road trips to the Accra, Ghana Temple.

“The temple is the shining symbol of divine light and knowledge. It is a sacred place of learning, and comfort where the soul is strengthened and can find peace and joy in the Lord,” said Alfred Kyungu, the President of the Africa West Area, at news conference.

The announcement of the Abidjan Temple was made by then-Church President Thomas S. Monson in April 2015, with the groundbreaking ceremony taking place in November 2018 under the direction of Elder Neil L. Andersen.

At the time of the announcement, President Monson said, “When I think of temples, my thoughts turn to the many blessings we receive there. As we walk through the temple doors, we leave behind the distractions and confusion of the world. Within this sacred sanctuary, we find beauty and order. There is rest for our souls and respite from the cares of our lives.”

The temple’s completion signifies the Church’s rapid growth in the region, where membership in Côte d’Ivoire has expanded to 67,000 members across more than 260 congregations.

The open house provides a unique opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to explore the temple’s interior, learn about its purpose, and gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Latter-day Saints. Once dedicated, the temple will serve as a sacred space for Church members to participate in religious ordinances and ceremonies central to their faith.

A Growing Legacy of Faith in Côte d’Ivoire

The establishment of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple marks a powerful moment in the history of the Church in Côte d’Ivoire, where the gospel’s roots have grown steadily for more than four decades. Interest in the Church began in the late 1970s, when individuals like Philippe Assard and families in the village of Bouaké independently requested Church materials and began studying the Book of Mormon.

The first baptisms in Côte d’Ivoire took place in 1988, following the arrival of Church representatives and missionaries. That same year, the first branch (small congregation) was organized in Abidjan. The Church grew rapidly, and by 1993, the Abidjan Ivory Coast Stake—the first stake in the country—was organized.

Despite periods of political unrest, the faith and resilience of local Saints allowed the Church to continue flourishing. In 2011, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Côte d’Ivoire and reassured members of the Church’s bright future in the region.

Today, Côte d’Ivoire is home to tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints, organized into dozens of stakes and districts. The dedication of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple stands as a testament to the faith, sacrifice, and devotion of these Saints—and marks a new chapter of growth for the Church.

Holly Wallace

Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.