Côte d’Ivoire – 2025 presidential election: Jean François Kouassi raises 70,000 francs out of the 35 million sought online
Jean François Kouassi, nicknamed “the youth candidate,” managed to raise only 70,643 FCFA out of the 35 million hoped for to fund his bid in the Ivorian presidential election. As the Constitutional Council’s validation of applications approaches, his ambitions hinge on the outcome of the next steps.
SUMMARY
It was a bold gamble, but the outcome is disappointing. In Côte d’Ivoire, Jean François Kouassi, who aims to represent young people in the 2025 presidential election, launched an online fundraiser to raise 35 million FCFA. The initiative, meant to showcase his digital roots and direct connection with youth, didn’t resonate as hoped.
Indeed, 24 hours after submitting his application to the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the young hopeful posted a link to receive citizen contributions. His goal was to raise the amount needed for his deposit in just three days. But when the fundraiser closed on August 27, 2025, the tally stood at a meager 70,643 FCFA.
Between uncertainty and a desire for debate
A sum that falls far short of his projections, raising questions about his ability to rally support beyond the “youth candidate” slogan. This setback also highlights how hard it is for new political faces to finance their ambitions in a landscape dominated by major figures with robust networks and substantial financial resources.
With the deadline for filing applications now past, Jean François Kouassi therefore doesn’t have the resources for his deposit through this digital initiative. However, the Constitutional Council still has to rule on the final validation of his candidacy.
In the meantime, the young candidate is trying to maintain his challenger image by proposing a public debate with Alassane Ouattara, Tidjane Thiam, and Laurent Gbagbo about their visions for society. It’s a way of signaling that, despite the paltry funds raised, he still aims to position himself as a driver of generational change.
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