From Tuesday 30 June to Wednesday 1 July 2026, Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export took part in AFRETAIL 2026 in Paris, where Côte d’Ivoire was the Guest of Honour under the theme “Côte d’Ivoire, Land of Champions”. This participation, marked by the presence of His Excellency Mr Anthelm Prosper ANGUI, First Counsellor to the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to France, was part of a drive to promote the strengths of the Ivorian business environment, enhance the visibility of national companies, and create new international development opportunities.
Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export was represented by Mr Pierre-André AMON D’ABY, Director of Commercial Information, Economic Intelligence and Forecasting, and Mrs Rami KONE, Head of the Trade Events Department.
A first day focused on business opportunities
The official launch of AFRETAIL 2026 brought together investors, international brands, shopping centre developers, retail experts, and economic decision-makers who came to explore the opportunities offered by African markets.
Through its “Investment & Business Lounge”, Côte d’Ivoire showcased the advantages of its business environment, the dynamism of its private sector, and the potential of its enterprises. High-level conferences, panels, B2B meetings, and strategic exchanges helped boost the attractiveness of Côte d’Ivoire as a destination for international investors and economic partners.
An immersive experience to learn from French retail success stories
The second day of the mission was dedicated to an immersive experience with several major players in the French retail sector.
The aim of this approach was to enable Ivorian companies to draw inspiration from French success stories in order to better prepare their expansion into French and European markets.
During the day, participants explored several strategic themes, such as brand protection, maintaining leadership, the development of social commerce, understanding new dynamics in the French market, economic exchange opportunities between Africa and Europe, and strategies for gaining access to department stores.
Beyond sharing experiences, this immersion opened up concrete prospects for cooperation between Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export and several French organisations.
Promising discussions were notably initiated with PROCOS, with a view to signing a partnership agreement focused on sharing commercial information, sector studies, and market data relating to French and European markets.
Discussions were also initiated with the Groupement du Patronat Francophone (Francophone Employers’ Association) to explore ways of supporting Ivorian businesses in establishing themselves within Francophone markets, as well as mobilising technical and financial partners capable of reinforcing the support mechanisms offered by Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export.
A mission geared towards the internationalisation of Ivorian businesses
Through its participation in AFRETAIL 2026, Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export reaffirms its role as a leading player in supporting Ivorian businesses internationally.
By facilitating their access to major international economic events, fostering meetings with strategic partners, and creating bridges to foreign markets, the Agency continues its mission to strengthen the competitiveness of Ivorian businesses and sustainably promote “Made in Côte d’Ivoire” on international markets.
🌍 Côte d’Ivoire, Land of champions.
