Salmata sawadogo wins top honor at mousso d’or 2026, celebrating Burkina Faso women excellence

Ouagadougou recently hosted the fourth annual Mousso d’Or awards on Saturday, June 6, 2026, a prestigious event dedicated to honoring Burkinabè women whose unwavering commitment, strong leadership, and remarkable achievements significantly propel national development. This esteemed ceremony, designed to champion female excellence, recognized outstanding women and organizations across various vital sectors.

As the evening concluded, the coveted Mousso d’Or 2026 grand prize was proudly bestowed upon Salmata Sawadogo, the dynamic President-Director General of Salmata Commerce Général.

This significant recognition applauds her impressive entrepreneurial journey and her tireless dedication to fostering the economic empowerment of women throughout Burkina Faso.

The distinguished laureate conveyed her profound gratitude to the organizers and everyone who supported her path. For Sawadogo, this award serves as a powerful incentive to intensify her efforts and motivate even more women to embrace their potential and embark on entrepreneurial ventures.

Beyond the top honor, other notable women were celebrated in various categories. Talato Ouédraogo secured the coveted «Pépite d’or» award, while the association Wend Guetta received recognition in the «Association» category. Charlotte Milliogo of USFA was celebrated in «Sport», Mam Sank in «Restauration», and Almaty Meria was honored as «Artiste musicienne».

Each deserving laureate departed with a beautifully crafted trophy, an honorary sash, and an official certificate of recognition. A special honorary trophy was also presented to Adja Abibou Sana Ouédraogo, acknowledging her remarkable career and profound dedication.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of several special awards, notably honoring the Forces of Defense and Security (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). This recognition underscored their invaluable contributions to safeguarding peace and social cohesion within the nation, a critical aspect of life in the West Africa Sahel region.

Mohamado Sanfo, the General Commissioner of the Mousso d’Or event, emphasized its core mission: to shine a spotlight on women who demonstrate exceptional skill and leadership in their respective fields. He eloquently stated, «When a woman is happy, an entire family thrives.»

Sanfo further highlighted Mousso d’Or’s commitment to social initiatives benefiting vulnerable women. This year, forty widows of fallen FDS members received comprehensive training and ongoing support designed to enhance their self-sufficiency and autonomy.

Despite challenges encountered during previous editions, Mohamado Sanfo expressed immense satisfaction with the event’s continuous evolution and the steadily growing enthusiasm it generates.

«We have faced obstacles, but our passion compels us forward. This year witnessed a significant turnout, underscoring the profound interest in promoting women’s roles,» he affirmed.

In total, this fourth edition saw sixteen distinct categories honored, alongside seven special prizes and a distinguished honorary trophy. Talato Ouédraogo, laureate of the «Pépite d’or» category, commended the initiative for its powerful encouragement of women to strive for excellence.

«We wholeheartedly invite all women aspiring to embark on new ventures to do so without reservation. Today, female excellence is not only acknowledged but actively fostered,» she declared.

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