On Thursday, 9, and Friday, 10 July 2026, in San Pedro, Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export participated in a training workshop on institutional support mechanisms for SMEs for women and youth, organised by the National Committee for the African Continental Free Trade Area (CN-ZLECAf).

Organised as part of the implementation of Strategic Pillar 6 of the National AfCFTA Strategy, which is dedicated to promoting the participation of women and youth in cross-border trade, this initiative aimed to raise awareness of public support mechanisms for SMEs and to strengthen the entrepreneurial capacities of beneficiaries so that they can take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the African continental market.

Represented by Mr Jean-Marc KOBLAVI, Head of Export Competitiveness and Capacity Building and AfCFTA Focal Point, Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export presented its various support schemes designed to assist Ivorian companies in their export readiness, the enhancement of their competitiveness, and their access to international markets.

Over the course of these two days, participants were also sensitised to the challenges and opportunities of the AfCFTA, financing mechanisms dedicated to SMEs, trade promotion tools, and the various institutional support schemes established to assist the growth of businesses led by women and young people.

For Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export, this participation aligns fully with its mission to build the capacity of Ivorian businesses and promote exports. By bringing entrepreneurs closer to existing support frameworks, the Agency contributes to preparing a new generation of companies capable of seizing the opportunities of the African market, expanding their activities beyond national borders, and strengthening the presence of “Made in Côte d’Ivoire” across the continent.