Prince Albert II has traveled new paths and rediscovered others. His recent trip to Africa was a series of important engagements, accompanied by a festive and grateful welcome.
Madagascar, Cameroon, and then Senegal—we stuck to the schedule and came away with a positive outcome from this long-awaited road trip.
MADAGASCAR. The visit by the Sovereign of Monaco once again underscored the collective commitment supported by the Principality of Monaco through its government, the Foundation, the Monaco Aide et Présence association—of which the Prince is Honorary President—and the Fight Aids association, founded by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. There is a single goal: to give everyone the means to build their own future, restore dignity, and foster hope.
The Sovereign has been supporting Father Pedro Opeka’s association for nearly 25 years; in Akamasoaa, he attended the school’s inauguration, one of the main reasons for this trip. A new beginning focused on education for so many young people—a catalyst for empowerment and transformation. It was a grand celebration filled with hope, as evidenced by the enthusiasm of the 12,000 students gathered in the stadium.
And then there was the reality on the streets, with a visit to the Sandratra project teams in Antananarivo, supported by the Directorate for International Cooperation (DCI) of the Principality of Monaco. The Prince wanted to see the work being done to help children: protection, education, reintegration, and self-reliance—all essential elements for giving them a new life and new opportunities. At the Centre Nouveau Relais des Jeunes (NRJ), for example, the Prince observed the activities taking place and visited training workshops designed to foster creativity and skills.
The final two stops in Madagascar included a visit to Saint Vincent de Paul University in Manantenasoa, where the Prince enthusiastically participated in a question-and-answer session with students on environmental protection. He then visited the SISAL 67HA clinic, supported by Monaco’s Directorate for International Cooperation (DCI) and Fight Aids Monaco. In the presence of Maria Raharinarivonirina, President of SISAL, and Dr. Olivier Randrianarivelo, National Coordinator, the visit highlighted the work and support provided to people living with HIV.
CAMEROON. In Yaoundé, the Prince visited the Princess Grace Edimar Center, a private residential facility supported by the Monaco Aide et Présence (MAP) association—founded by Father Maurizio Bezzi in 2002 and directed by Mireille Yoga—which takes in and supports vulnerable children and young people. The Prince was able to learn about the various activities and support programs: shelter and care for children, medical care, vocational training, an agricultural school, literacy programs, education, and support for family life.
In the presence of Ms. Pauline Irène Nguene, Minister of Social Affairs of Cameroon, and Ms. Pilar Klemm, Vice President of MAP, the children of the Center put on a particularly touching performance, featuring songs and dances. Prince Alberto II then met with H.E. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon, and Monsignor José Avelino Bettencourt, Apostolic Nuncio, and visited a photo exhibition chronicling the Center’s activities and commitment.
SENEGAL. It was the final stop of his four-day visit to Africa. The Prince, a member of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, held on October 31. At least 2,700 athletes from around the world, aged 14 to 17, are competing in events scheduled through November 13. Among the new features is the debut ofthe Refugee Youth Olympic Team.This is the first time a major Olympic event has been organized in an African country.