Côte d’Ivoire sets stage for pan-African economic growth at SIFIA 2026
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CCI-CI) has officially inaugurated the second edition of the International Suppliers and Investors Fair of Africa (SIFIA 2026) at the Plateau district in Abidjan. Under the theme « Bridging businesses, forging markets, and boosting growth », the event kicked off with a dynamic business networking session that brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and key partners from across the continent.
From networking to tangible opportunities
Marc Ekressin, the General Commissioner of SIFIA, delivered a powerful message during the launch, emphasizing that the fair is not just a professional gathering but a catalyst for business expansion. « I’m not here to talk about a fair. I’m here to talk about growing your business, » he declared, urging participants to leave with new clients, strategic partnerships, signed contracts, and untapped market opportunities.
The first edition of SIFIA delivered impressive results: 130 exhibitors, 1,700 qualified visitors, 17 partnerships signed, five international companies established in Côte d’Ivoire, and a business volume exceeding 4.5 billion FCFA. Building on this success, the 2026 edition introduces SIFIA IAPA, an innovative end-to-end business facilitation system designed to streamline every stage of the event—from identifying company needs and sourcing prospects to arranging pre-scheduled business meetings and providing post-event follow-ups. « Every meeting should lead to a contract, » Ekressin stressed.
Strengthening support for small and medium-sized enterprises
Ekressin also called on government authorities and financial institutions to enhance their support for SMEs and mid-sized industries by offering financing solutions tailored to their specific challenges. « This is about more than just facilitating trade—it’s about empowering businesses to thrive, » he noted.
Addressing business leaders directly, he urged them to approach SIFIA 2026 not just as an event to attend but as an opportunity to invest in their future growth. « Don’t just book a booth—secure your growth, » he advised.
Transforming connections into business success
The CCI-CI and SIFIA 2026 are committed to deepening ties between companies, investors, and partners across Africa. By fostering meaningful interactions and turning them into concrete business outcomes, the event aims to accelerate private sector growth and unlock new avenues for collaboration on the continent.
