Lomé to host next Women’s Entrepreneurship Fair in late July 2026

Economic governance

Friday, 24 April 2026 02:20

Lomé to host next Women’s Entrepreneurship Fair in late July 2026

(Togo First) - Lomé will host a new edition of the International Women's Entrepreneurship Fair (SIEF) on July 31 and Aug. 1, 2026, organizers said at a press conference on Wednesday.

Backed by Fondation Citoyens d’Afrique and KD Group, the event aims to serve as a pan-African platform for training, networking and promoting women-led entrepreneurial initiatives. “The International Women's Entrepreneurship Fair is not just an event; it is a pan-African platform,” said organizer Kayi Dogbé.

The 2026 edition will focus on the theme of “entrepreneurial risk in the African context” and aims to strengthen participants’ skills in strategic, financial and organizational management.

The program includes a conference, training sessions, networking activities and a project pitch competition.

Beyond the event, SIEF aims to help strengthen the women’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Limited access to funding and information remains a major obstacle. “Funding exists, but women often cannot access it,” Dogbé said.

Top Prize Set at 5 Million CFA Francs

A highlight of the event is the pitch competition for the Grand African Prize for Women's Entrepreneurship. The top prize for 2026 is about 5 million CFA francs, with additional support from partners, including services and business assistance.

Several secondary awards of around 1 million CFA francs each are also planned, along with support in training, visibility and digital tools. The aim is to go beyond financial rewards by providing follow-up support and backing business growth.

The previous edition, held in August 2025 in Lomé, drew more than 1,000 participants from 13 African countries.

The private sector is also involved. Official partner Yas Togo plans to support winners and help digitalize their activities. As women-led initiatives rise across Africa, SIEF aims to strengthen skills and improve access to markets and financing.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

REFORMS OVERVIEW

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ENFORCING CONTRACTS (more info)

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CONTRACT EXECUTION (more info)

Creation of special chambers of commerce for small debts • Creation of chambers of commerce at the Court of Appeal • Civil and commercial cases now handled by distinct clerks • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara • Lawyers and bailiffs now have access to the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform • A maximum period of 100 days was fixed to settle a commercial dispute .

TRADING ACROSS BORDERS (more info)

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In comparison to previous years, Togo has significantly improved its ranking on the “Trading across borders” index by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitalization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT (more info)

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PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (more info)

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