Ouagadougou recently hosted the fourth annual Mousso d’Or ceremony on Saturday, June 6, 2026, a vibrant celebration dedicated to recognizing Burkinabè women whose remarkable commitment, strong leadership, and significant achievements are driving national progress. This esteemed event, designed to uplift and highlight female excellence, honored numerous women and organizations across various professional sectors.

The evening’s pinnacle saw the coveted Mousso d’Or 2026 trophy presented to Salmata Sawadogo, the dynamic President and CEO of Salmata Commerce Général.

This prestigious accolade celebrates her impressive entrepreneurial journey and her dedicated efforts towards fostering the economic empowerment of women throughout Burkina Faso.

Upon receiving her award, the distinguished laureate expressed profound gratitude to the organizers and all who have supported her career path. She views this recognition as a powerful call to intensify her endeavors and to inspire more women to embrace their potential and embark on entrepreneurial ventures.

Beyond the main award, several other remarkable women and an association were celebrated in their respective fields. Talato Ouédraogo secured the «Pépite d’or» (Golden Nugget) prize, while the Wend Guetta association was acknowledged in the «Association» category. Charlotte Milliogo from USFA triumphed in the «Sport» category, Mam Sank excelled in «Restauration,» and Almaty Meria was honored as the top «Artiste musicienne.»

Each deserving winner departed with a beautifully crafted trophy, a ceremonial sash, and an official certificate of recognition. Additionally, Adja Abibou Sana Ouédraogo received a special honorary trophy, acknowledging her remarkable life’s journey and unwavering dedication.

A significant moment during the ceremony was the presentation of several special awards, notably to the Forces de défense et de sécurité (FDS) and the Volontaires pour la défense de la patrie (VDP). These awards served as a profound acknowledgment of their crucial contributions to upholding peace and fostering social cohesion within the nation, an important aspect of Burkina reporting.

Mohamado Sanfo, the General Commissioner of the Mousso d’Or event, emphasized that its core mission is to spotlight women who achieve excellence in their respective fields. He eloquently stated, «Quand une femme est heureuse, c’est toute une famille qui est heureuse,» underscoring the ripple effect of female success.

Sanfo further highlighted the Mousso d’Or’s commitment to social initiatives, particularly aiding vulnerable women. This year, for instance, forty widows of FDS members who made the ultimate sacrifice on the front lines received specialized training and comprehensive support aimed at bolstering their self-sufficiency.

Despite facing various challenges throughout its editions, Mohamado Sanfo expressed immense satisfaction with the event’s continuous growth and the burgeoning enthusiasm it garners. This reflects a positive trend in Burkina Faso.

«Nous avons rencontré des difficultés, mais la passion nous pousse à avancer. Cette année, nous avons enregistré une forte mobilisation qui témoigne de l’intérêt porté à la promotion de la femme,» he affirmed.

In total, this fourth edition of Mousso d’Or presented awards across sixteen distinct categories, along with seven special prizes and a single honorary trophy. Talato Ouédraogo, the acclaimed winner of the «Pépite d’or» category, praised the initiative for its profound encouragement to women striving for excellence.

«Nous invitons toutes les femmes qui veulent se lancer à le faire sans réserve. Aujourd’hui, l’excellence féminine est reconnue et encouragée,» she declared, echoing the sentiment of progress for women in the Sahel region.

Through this impactful fourth edition, the Mousso d’Or awards powerfully reaffirmed their dedication to celebrating women who, through their relentless work, unwavering resilience, and steadfast commitment, contribute daily to the flourishing development of Burkina Faso.