The 7th edition of Golden Business Impact kicked off on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Abidjan.
This strategic platform, dedicated to fostering a new generation of African entrepreneurs with a strong economic and social impact, will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, on the banks of the Ebrie Lagoon.
Launched five years ago with the ambition of connecting project leaders to viable solutions, the event has evolved significantly.
According to its general commissioner, Imran Diarrassouba, Golden Business Impact has matured into a true bridge between innovative SMEs, large regional companies, and African public policies.
Diarrassouba explained that Golden Business Impact is no longer just a conference, but a genuine business opportunity platform dedicated to startups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Francophone Africa.
More than just a conference, it has established itself as an essential business hub for startups and SMEs in Francophone Africa.
This 2026 edition revolves around the theme: “Investing in Young African Businesses for the New Era.”
The objective is to address concrete opportunities within a rapidly growing economy, while strengthening the position of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Particular emphasis will be placed on three major industrial sectors: heavy industry, extractive and energy industries, and FinTech.
The challenge is to identify how SMEs can integrate into these sectors to accelerate the continent’s development. Beyond masterclasses, panels, and networking sessions, the event will host the Golden Business Challenge.
Launched three years ago, this competition expands to a sub-regional level this year. Five young entrepreneurs, two from Benin, two from Senegal, and one from Côte d’Ivoire, will compete for a total prize pool of 10 million CFA francs.
The general commissioner of this entrepreneurial event, Imran Diarrassouba, urged entrepreneurs to mobilize in large numbers with projects capable of capturing investors’ attention.
This project benefits from the renewed support of the AFG Foundation, a partner for the second consecutive year. Irene Tuo, AFG Holding’s Retail Client Director, praised this unique channel, which showcases the full potential of the Atlantic Group.
She reaffirmed the holding company’s commitment to this pan-African initiative, which aims to act “by Africans, for Africans,” while working to make projects more bankable and financing better suited to local realities.
AP/fss/gik/APA