Mousso d’or 2026: salmata sawadogo honoured as top woman in Burkina Faso

The fourth edition of the Mousso d’Or gala, held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Ouagadougou, celebrated the outstanding contributions of Burkinabè women whose leadership and achievements drive national progress. The event, dedicated to honouring female excellence across multiple sectors, recognised remarkable individuals and organisations for their impactful work.

At the heart of the ceremony, Salmata Sawadogo, CEO of Salmata Commerce Général, was awarded the prestigious Mousso d’Or 2026 trophy. This accolade celebrates not only her entrepreneurial success but also her relentless efforts to empower women economically, fostering independence and leadership in the community.

Expressing her gratitude, Sawadogo acknowledged the organisers and supporters who have been instrumental in her journey. For her, this recognition is a call to action to continue breaking barriers and inspiring more women to embrace entrepreneurship and self-belief.

Other winners included Talato Ouédraogo, who claimed the Golden Spark award for emerging talent, while the Wend Guetta association was honoured in the Association category. Charlotte Milliogo from USFA took the Sports prize, Mam Sank was recognised in Catering, and Almaty Meria won in the Musician Artist category.

Each awardee received a trophy, a ceremonial sash, and a certificate of recognition. A special honour trophy was also presented to Adja Abibou Sana Ouédraogo in acknowledgment of her lifelong dedication and contributions.

The event also paid tribute to the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP) with special awards for their pivotal role in safeguarding peace and social cohesion.

Event commissioner Mohamado Sanfo emphasised the mission of the Mousso d’Or to spotlight women excelling in their fields. “When a woman thrives, an entire family thrives,” he remarked, highlighting the ripple effect of female empowerment.

Sanfo also shared details of the event’s social outreach, revealing that forty widows of fallen FDS soldiers participated in a vocational training and empowerment programme this year to bolster their financial independence.

Despite facing challenges in past editions, Sanfo expressed pride in the growing momentum behind the initiative. “We’ve faced hurdles, but our passion keeps us moving forward. This year’s strong turnout reflects the rising commitment to championing women’s progress,” he noted.

A total of sixteen categories, seven special awards, and one honour trophy were presented during the fourth edition. Talato Ouédraogo, winner of the Golden Spark, encouraged aspiring women to pursue their dreams fearlessly. “We urge every woman with a vision to take the leap. Female excellence is not just recognised—it’s celebrated,” she affirmed.

Through this year’s Mousso d’Or, the initiative reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating women whose resilience, dedication, and innovation are shaping the future of Burkina Faso.