Following a successful first phase in Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire's National AfCFTA Committee (CN-AfCFTA) continued its capacity-building tour in San Pedro on 9 and 10 July 2026. The training session enabled women and young entrepreneurs to gain a better understanding of the institutional support mechanisms available to SMEs and the financing opportunities that can help them seize the benefits offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
An Initiative to Strengthen Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness
The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Djibril TRAORÉ, representative of the Prefect of the San Pedro Region. In his opening remarks, he welcomed the initiative of the National AfCFTA Committee, emphasizing that the AfCFTA is a powerful driver of economic transformation and continental integration.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the San Pedro Region, noting that its port, strong agricultural base, and industrial potential position it as a key hub for expanding Côte d'Ivoire's exports to African markets.
"With its port infrastructure and significant economic potential, San Pedro is destined to play a leading role in boosting Côte d'Ivoire's exports to the African market."
Enhanced Support Services for SMEs
Over the course of the two-day training, participants were introduced to the various institutional support mechanisms available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aimed at strengthening their competitiveness and improving their access to the continental market.
In addition to the institutions that participated during the Daloa session, COOPEC and Celpaid Finance SA presented financing solutions specifically tailored to the needs of SMEs, women entrepreneurs, and young business owners, providing participants with a broader overview of the financial opportunities available to support business growth.
Interactive Discussions Addressing Entrepreneurs' Concerns
The training sessions featured highly interactive discussions, allowing participants to engage directly with representatives of the various support institutions.
Key topics discussed included:
- Coordination among institutional support mechanisms;
- Financing solutions for young entrepreneurs and SMEs;
- Pre-export procedures and administrative requirements;
- Conditions and modalities for accessing available financing.
These exchanges provided practical answers to participants' concerns and enhanced their understanding of the support mechanisms available to help them successfully access opportunities under the AfCFTA.
Promoting Greater Ownership of the AfCFTA
Through this nationwide training initiative, the National AfCFTA Committee reaffirms its commitment to promoting effective ownership of the AfCFTA among Ivorian economic operators. By bringing support institutions closer to entrepreneurs across the country, the Committee is helping businesses better prepare for intra-African trade while encouraging greater participation of women and young people in the development of continental trade.
Following the successful sessions in Daloa and San Pedro, this outreach initiative will continue in other regions, enabling more entrepreneurs to benefit from the information, tools, and institutional support needed to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the AfCFTA.