Côte d’Ivoire sets stage for SIFIA 2026: a gateway to business growth
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CCI-CI) hosted the official kickoff of the second edition of the International Fair of Suppliers and Investors in Africa (SIFIA 2026) at the Plateau district this Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Under the guiding theme ‘Connecting businesses, creating markets, and accelerating growth’, the event launched with a dynamic Business Networking session that brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and strategic partners.
From vision to action: turning encounters into opportunities
Marc Ekressin, General Commissioner of SIFIA, delivered a powerful message during his opening address. He moved beyond the traditional view of trade fairs, emphasizing that this gathering is not just about exhibition booths—it’s about tangible business outcomes. “Today, I’m not here to talk about a fair. I’m here to talk about growing your business.” His call to action was clear: participants should leave with new clients, partnerships, signed agreements, and expanded market access.
Building on success: what the first edition delivered
The inaugural SIFIA event set a strong foundation with impressive figures: 130 exhibitors, over 1,700 qualified visitors, 17 partnership agreements, and the establishment of five international companies in Côte d’Ivoire. The total business volume generated reached more than 4.5 billion FCFA, demonstrating the fair’s real economic impact.
SIFIA IAPA: a year-round engine for business connections
A standout feature of this year’s edition is the SIFIA IAPA intermediary platform, designed to operate both before, during, and after the event. This innovative system identifies company needs, matches businesses with potential partners, schedules business meetings, and ensures follow-up to convert every interaction into a lasting contract. As Ekressin stressed, “Every meeting should lead to a contract.”
Strengthening support for local businesses
Ekressin also called on public authorities and financial institutions to step up their support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small and medium-sized industries (SMIs). He urged the creation of tailored financing solutions that align with the realities and challenges faced by these businesses, helping them scale and compete more effectively.
A call to entrepreneurs: invest in growth, not just space
Addressing business leaders directly, Ekressin issued a compelling invitation: “Don’t just book a booth. Book your growth.” He encouraged companies to approach SIFIA 2026 not as a one-off event, but as a strategic platform for long-term development and market expansion.
The CCI-CI and SIFIA 2026 are committed to deepening ties between enterprises, investors, and collaborators. By fostering genuine business connections, they aim to transform networking into real opportunities—and drive forward the growth of the private sector in Côte d’Ivoire.