Côte d’Ivoire sets the stage for business growth at SIFIA 2026

This Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CCI-CI) hosted the official kickoff of the second edition of the International Suppliers and Investors Salon Africa (SIFIA 2026) at the Plateau district in Abidjan. The event, themed “Connecting businesses, creating markets, and accelerating growth,” was followed by a dynamic business networking session uniting economic operators, investors, and strategic partners.

From networking to concrete opportunities

Marc Ekressin, General Commissioner of SIFIA, took the floor to emphasize the event’s transformative potential. “This isn’t just another professional gathering—it’s a platform for your business growth,” he declared. His message was clear: participants should leave not just with new contacts, but with tangible outcomes—clients, partnerships, signed contracts, and expanded market access.

The inaugural edition of SIFIA delivered impressive results: 130 exhibitors, 1,700 high-profile visitors, 17 signed partnerships, five international companies establishing operations in Côte d’Ivoire, and over 4.5 billion CFA francs in generated business volume. Building on this success, the second edition introduces SIFIA IAPA, a comprehensive pre-, during-, and post-event intermediary system designed to streamline business matchmaking.

How SIFIA IAPA works to secure growth

The SIFIA IAPA mechanism is structured to identify corporate needs, scout for prospects and partners, arrange targeted business meetings, and ensure post-event follow-ups. “Every meeting should lead to a contract,” Ekressin stressed, underscoring the event’s commitment to turning connections into actionable results.

Public and financial sectors urged to step up support

Ekressin also called on government authorities and financial institutions to bolster their support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small and medium industries (SMIs). He advocated for tailored financing solutions that align with the operational realities of these businesses, enabling them to scale and compete more effectively.

A call to action for business leaders

Addressing entrepreneurs directly, he issued a compelling invitation: “Don’t just book a booth—secure your growth.” The message was unmistakable: participation in SIFIA 2026 is not an expense, but an investment in future expansion and market penetration.

The CCI-CI and SIFIA 2026 are united in their mission to deepen ties between enterprises, investors, and collaborators. By fostering meaningful connections, the event aims to catalyze private sector growth and turn every business interaction into a stepping stone toward long-term success.