Abidjan, May 14, 2026 – The fifth edition of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Gala of Côte d’Ivoire was officially launched on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by the Director General of SMEs, Sylver Konan, representing the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Handicrafts, Kalil Konaté.
Under the theme, “Five Years to Revitalize and Reconnect Our SMEs: A Focus on International Reach,” this anniversary edition aims to make innovation and internationalization the driving forces behind the growth of the Ivorian entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The gala’s general coordinator, Nadia N’Douba, noted that the event has established itself over the past five years as a regional benchmark for promoting and supporting SMEs. “What truly transforms an SME is not just the prize money, but the ecosystem built around it: visibility, credibility, and access to markets,” she emphasized.
Beyond the awards, SMEs benefit from technical and strategic support, networking opportunities with investors and institutional partners, as well as international expansion opportunities, she added.
This edition marks a strategic turning point with its focus on emerging technologies, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. Panels, practical workshops, demonstrations, and pitch sessions will allow companies to acquire concrete tools to modernize their organization and strengthen their competitiveness. The United Arab Emirates is also being honored as a partner country, paving the way for B2B meetings, exhibitions, and international networking designed to stimulate partnerships and attract investment.
Since its inception in 2022, the SME Gala has generated significant benefits for the Ivorian entrepreneurial sector. Technical coordinator Touré Kader noted that the event attracted 5,000 participants and allowed 2,000 companies to be added to a database, while also providing an estimated 60% media exposure and awarding prizes to 55 winners.
For Sylver Konan, the gala serves as a tool for structuring and developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem: “Our SMEs must prepare for the era of digitalization and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Any initiative that promotes and internationalizes our businesses is crucial for the competitiveness of our markets.” The organizers are already planning to expand the gala to the ECOWAS region by 2027, thus strengthening its international dimension and allowing African SMEs to shine on the Ivorian stage.
The fifth edition will be held on July 3 at the Sofitel Ivoire, at the Palais des Congrès, and promises to be a structuring and inspiring event for innovation and international development of African SMEs.
