With an estimated fortune of 30 million euros, Didier Drogba seems to have secured a worry-free future. Many might envision a splendid retirement in a few years, leading a peaceful life on an island or somewhere in Ivory Coast. However, Drogba understands the wisdom behind the saying “an abundance of goods does no harm” and has ventured into the world of gold.
Dubbed “Drogba Gold,” the former Ivorian star, known for his illustrious career with Chelsea, OM, En-Avant Guingamp, and Galatasaray, has made a strategic investment by acquiring 5% of the capital of a gold mine in western Ivory Coast. This move comes as part of the partial privatization of the Société des mines d’Ity.
Ranked among the 100 most influential people in the world, Drogba’s investment in the gold mine is a significant move that goes beyond football. The decision to take a stake in this state affair was marked by a formal signing ceremony attended by the Prime Minister, Daniel Kablan Duncan.
The Ivorian government’s push to attract foreign investors and develop its mining sector led to the privatization of the Ity mines, with Drogba seizing the opportunity to play a role in this ambitious project. While the exact amount of the operation remains undisclosed, Drogba expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am happy to have signed with the State, it is a strong gesture. I think we have to show the Ivorians the way.”
As Ivory Coast aims to become a mining country, Drogba, renowned for his football prowess, emerges as a key figure in a venture that extends beyond the realm of sports. The country boasts abundant resources, including gold, iron, diamonds, and manganese, with plans to modify its mining code to attract foreign investors.
Beyond his ventures in mining, Drogba is known for his philanthropy. Despite being courted by numerous sponsors such as Pepsi, Orange, Nike, Konami, and Samsung, he donates most of his advertising contract revenues to charity. In 2012, he established a foundation, investing 1.2 million euros. Additionally, Drogba has a London-based company, Clubnote, since 2006, showcasing a multifaceted approach to his financial portfolio. Recently, he was in Namibia promoting a beer brand, adding another dimension to his diverse business engagements.
