Côte d’Ivoire hosts SIFIA 2026 to boost african business connections

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CCI-CI) inaugurated the second edition of the International Salon of African Suppliers and Investors (SIFIA 2026) this Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Plateau district in Abidjan. Centered around the theme “Connecting businesses, building markets, and accelerating growth,” the event kicked off with a Business Networking session uniting entrepreneurs, investors, and strategic partners.

Transforming encounters into business opportunities

During the inauguration, Marc Ekressin, General Commissioner of SIFIA, emphasized that the salon is more than a professional gathering—it’s a catalyst for enterprise expansion. “Today, I’m not here to talk about a trade show. I’m here to talk about the growth of your companies,” he declared, urging participants to leave with tangible outcomes: new clients, partnerships, signed contracts, and expanded market access.

Leveraging past success to fuel future ambition

SIFIA 2026 builds on the momentum of its inaugural edition, which drew 130 exhibitors, 1,700 qualified visitors, and saw 17 partnerships formalized. The event also facilitated the establishment of five international businesses in Côte d’Ivoire, generating over 4.5 billion CFA francs in business volume.

SIFIA IAPA: a year-round bridge for business growth

This year’s edition introduces SIFIA IAPA, an end-to-end intermediary system designed to sustain business development before, during, and after the event. The initiative includes tailored services such as identifying company needs, sourcing prospects and partners, arranging business meetings, and providing post-event follow-ups. “Every meeting should lead to a contract,” Ekressin stressed.

Calling for stronger support for SMEs and SMIs

The Commissioner also appealed to public authorities and financial institutions to enhance their support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs/SMIs), advocating for financing solutions better aligned with their operational realities.

Preparing for long-term impact

Addressing business leaders directly, Ekressin urged proactive participation: “Don’t just book a booth. Invest in your company’s growth.” The initiative underscores a broader ambition: to turn networking into actionable results and propel private sector growth across Africa.