Côte d’Ivoire hosts major business networking event to boost economic growth
Côte d’Ivoire’s Premier Business Event Kicks Off with a Focus on Growth and Partnerships
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CCI-CI) hosted the official launch of the second edition of the International Suppliers and Investors Fair in Africa (SIFIA 2026) on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in the Plateau district of Abidjan. The event, centered around the theme “Connecting businesses, creating markets, and accelerating growth”, marked the beginning of a high-stakes business networking session bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and key industry partners.
From Networking to Real Business Opportunities
Addressing the audience, Marc Ekressin, General Commissioner of SIFIA, made it clear that this gathering was far more than a standard trade fair. “Today, I’m not here to talk about a salon. I’m here to talk about your business growth,” he declared, urging participants to leave with tangible outcomes: new clients, strategic partnerships, signed contracts, and expanded market access.
The first edition of SIFIA proved its value, with impressive figures: 130 exhibitors, 1,700 qualified visitors, 17 partnerships formalized, five international companies establishing operations in Côte d’Ivoire, and a business volume exceeding 4.5 billion FCFA.
SIFIA IAPA: A Game-Changer for Business Matchmaking
One of the standout innovations for this year’s event is the SIFIA IAPA, an end-to-end business facilitation system designed to maximize the impact of the fair. The platform identifies company needs, connects them with potential partners, arranges targeted business meetings, and ensures post-event follow-ups. “A meeting should turn into a contract,” Ekressin emphasized, highlighting the system’s role in converting conversations into concrete deals.
Strengthening Support for Local Enterprises
Ekressin also called on government institutions and financial institutions to bolster their support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small and medium industries (SMIs). He advocated for more flexible financing mechanisms tailored to the realities of local businesses, enabling them to scale up and compete on a larger stage.
In his closing remarks to business leaders, he delivered a compelling message: “Don’t just book a booth—secure your growth.” The sentiment underscored the fair’s mission: to transform networking into actionable opportunities that drive private sector expansion.
The CCI-CI and the SIFIA 2026 team are determined to deepen connections between businesses, investors, and partners. Their goal is clear: turn every interaction into a stepping stone for growth and position Côte d’Ivoire as a hub for economic dynamism in the region.
