The Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Crafts, Kalil Konaté, officially launched the first legal sales period of 2026 in Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday, March 10, at the CAP SUD shopping center in Marcory. This sales event will take place nationwide from March 10 to 31, 2026.

During the ceremony, the minister noted that the sales period is an important time for the national economy, as it encourages consumer spending and boosts commercial activity. According to him, these promotional periods offer consumers the opportunity to purchase products at reduced prices while allowing retailers to clear their inventory.

“The sales weeks represent a unique opportunity to boost consumption and support commercial activity, which is key to our country’s economic vitality,” Mr. Konaté declared before shopping center officials, retailers, consumers, and media professionals.

The minister also emphasized that these promotional sales help combat the high cost of living by improving people’s purchasing power, particularly during this unique period marked by the overlap of the Muslim fast and Christian Lent.

According to him, the sales cover several sectors, including ready-to-wear clothing, household appliances, electronics, and furniture, thereby enabling retailers to move their inventory more quickly.

During his remarks, Mr. Konaté reiterated that this initiative is in line with the vision of President Alassane Ouattara, which aims to make commercial activity a driver of growth and wealth creation in Côte d’Ivoire.

He also urged business operators to strictly comply with current regulations, particularly Decree No. 2013-167 of March 6, 2013, governing the organization of clearance sales and other equivalent forms of sales.

This decree specifically requires compliance with price-posting requirements, transparency regarding discounts, and fairness in transactions with consumers.