Côte d’Ivoire hosts launch of africa’s leading supplier and investor salon

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CCI-CI) has officially inaugurated the second edition of the International Salon of Suppliers and Investors in Africa (SIFIA 2026) at the Plateau district in Abidjan. Under the theme “Connecting businesses, creating markets, and accelerating growth,” the launch event was followed by a dynamic Business Networking session that brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and key partners.

A salon designed for tangible business outcomes

Marc Ekressin, the General Commissioner of SIFIA 2026, framed the event not as a mere trade fair but as a catalyst for business expansion. “Today, I’m not here to talk about a salon—I’m here to talk about your company’s growth,” he declared. He urged participants to leave with tangible results: new customers, strategic partnerships, signed contracts, and untapped market opportunities.

Building on a successful first edition

The inaugural SIFIA event set a strong foundation with impressive figures: 130 exhibitors, over 1,700 qualified visitors, 17 partnerships finalized, five international companies establishing operations in Côte d’Ivoire, and business transactions exceeding 4.5 billion West African CFA francs. Organizers are leveraging these achievements to elevate the second edition, introducing innovative tools to maximize value for participants.

Sifia iapa: a year-round business facilitation tool

A standout feature of SIFIA 2026 is the SIFIA IAPA platform, an end-to-end business intermediation system designed to support companies before, during, and after the event. The platform identifies business needs, connects companies with potential clients and partners, schedules business meetings, and provides post-event follow-up to ensure deals materialize. “A meeting must become a contract,” Ekressin emphasized, highlighting the platform’s role in turning networking into actionable outcomes.

Call for stronger support for local businesses

Ekressin also called on government authorities and financial institutions to enhance their support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small and medium industries (SMIs). He advocated for financing mechanisms tailored to the unique challenges faced by these businesses, ensuring they can fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by SIFIA.

A call to action for entrepreneurs

Addressing business leaders directly, Ekressin urged them to approach SIFIA 2026 with a strategic mindset. “Don’t just book a booth—secure your growth,” he advised, encouraging participants to view the event as a launchpad for expansion rather than a one-time exhibition.

Transforming connections into business success

With its renewed focus on actionable outcomes, SIFIA 2026 aims to deepen the linkages between enterprises, investors, and partners across Africa. By fostering an environment where business meetings translate into real opportunities, the event seeks to give a significant boost to private sector growth on the continent.