Launching a Pan-African business hub in Abidjan
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CCI-CI) inaugurated the second edition of the International Salon of Suppliers and Investors in Africa (SIFIA 2026) on Tuesday, August 11th, at the Plateau district in Abidjan. Under the banner “Connecting businesses, building markets, and accelerating growth,” the event kickoff featured a high-level networking session uniting entrepreneurs, investors, and key stakeholders.
The gathering marked more than just the opening of a trade fair—it signaled a commitment to fostering tangible business expansion across the continent. As Marc Ekressin, General Commissioner of SIFIA, stated during his address, “I’m not here to talk about a trade show. I’m here to talk about the growth of your companies.” His message was clear: participants should leave with new clients, strategic partnerships, signed contracts, and expanded market access.
Leveraging past success to drive future impact
The first edition of SIFIA delivered measurable results: 130 exhibitors, 1,700 qualified visitors, 17 partnerships finalized, five international companies establishing operations in Côte d’Ivoire, and over 4.5 billion FCFA in business transactions generated. Building on this momentum, the 2026 edition introduces SIFIA IAPA, an end-to-end business facilitation platform designed to “bridge gaps before, during, and after the event.”
The initiative includes tailored services such as identifying business needs, sourcing prospective clients and partners, arranging targeted business meetings, and providing post-event follow-up support. Ekressin emphasized the system’s goal: “Every meeting should lead to a contract.”
Strengthening ecosystems for smes and pmi growth
Beyond the exhibition floor, SIFIA 2026 calls for stronger collaboration between public institutions, financial institutions, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ekressin urged policymakers and banks to develop financing mechanisms better aligned with the operational realities of local businesses, ensuring they have the resources to scale and innovate.
He also challenged business leaders to approach the event with strategic intent: “Don’t just book a booth—secure your growth.” This rallying cry underscores the event’s mission: to transform chance encounters into lasting economic partnerships and catalyze private sector development across Africa.
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