The Lagardère Group, owner of the ELLE brand—the world's leading women's magazine—announces the launch of ELLE Afrique Francophone, a new edition published under license by its partner INNSAEI SARL (Abidjan, Ivory Coast).
The first issue, dated March 2026, will feature global icon Naomi Campbell on the cover. This marks her first appearance on the cover of an African edition of ELLE that is entirely designed, produced, and printed on the continent—an important milestone in ELLE's development in Africa.
Following the Ivory Coast edition, ELLE Afrique Francophone will cover five countries: Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Senegal. This new edition is positioned as a high-end magazine, combining fashion, beauty, culture, society, and lifestyle, and blending international luxury standards with contemporary African creativity.
Led by a pan-African team from these five countries and supported by a network of correspondents across the continent, this edition illustrates ELLE's ability to establish a local presence while contributing to the brand's global reach.
"With ELLE Afrique francophone, ELLE is strengthening its long-term presence on the continent and reaffirming its role as a global media brand, capable of expressing its creative and forward-looking vision from each of its territories, driven by women who inspire the world." Constance Benqué, CEO, Lagardère News & ELLE International
This first issue will also highlight 24 African women who are shaping the continent through fashion, culture, entrepreneurship, and innovation, demonstrating ELLE's longstanding commitment to female leadership.
In line with the Group's commitment to social responsibility, ELLE Afrique francophone is also an impactful media platform: printed in Côte d'Ivoire on PEFC-certified paper, it is supported by the NGO Think Tank Nanan, which has helped more than 1,000 women and contributed to saving 127 lives through cancer screening programs.
Finally, ELLE Afrique francophone is planning a series of traveling events throughout 2026, notably in several capitals of French-speaking Africa.