The Ivoirian government has announced a 32.5 million CFA francs support package for traders affected by the fire at the Bondoukou market, which occurred on July 12-13, 2026. The announcement was made by Minister of Trade, Industry, and Handicrafts, Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, during a ceremony at the Bondoukou town hall on September 20, 2026. This support is part of the government's solidarity efforts with victims of market fires in several parts of the country.
According to Minister Konaté, the support package follows a census of victims and evaluation of losses, which identified approximately 779 affected traders in Bondoukou. The financial support is an immediate response, while more sustainable actions are planned to secure and modernize market spaces. The government aims to play its part in the rehabilitation of the market.
Minister Konaté outlined several projects, including the establishment of a trader's card, improvement of market management, and modernization and digitalization of commercial spaces. He also mentioned a draft law on the management of wholesale and retail markets. Additionally, the government is working on a national program for the construction of proximity markets and the rehabilitation of damaged market infrastructure.
Minister of National Cohesion, Solidarity, and Poverty Reduction, Myss Belmonde Dogo, called on traders to remain hopeful and announced a plan to support women who contracted loans under the Women's Support Fund (FAFCI). She asked affected women to register with the Bondoukou mayor so that their files can be transmitted to the First Lady for potential advocacy on their behalf.
The ceremony included a telephone exchange between Minister Konaté and Minister of Youth Promotion, Professional Insertion, and Civic Service, Mamadou Touré. Minister Touré discussed the establishment of a working committee to identify affected young people, assess their needs, and explore financing possibilities to help them rebuild their businesses.
Minister Touré mentioned an envelope of up to 500 million CFA francs to support affected young people, subject to evaluation and implementation. The government support package is part of a tour that began on September 19, 2026, in Aboisso, where 15 million CFA francs were allocated to affected traders, and continued in Man, Songon, and Bondoukou.
Local authorities and traders have welcomed the government's support package. The president of the Bondoukou traders, Ouattara Korotoum, expressed gratitude to the state for its support on behalf of the beneficiaries. The government's efforts aim to alleviate the suffering of traders affected by market fires and support their recovery.
Key points
- The Ivoirian government has allocated 32.5 million CFA francs to support traders affected by the Bondoukou market fire.
- The support package is part of a broader effort to rehabilitate the market and modernize commercial spaces.
- The government is working on a national program for the construction of proximity markets and the rehabilitation of damaged market infrastructure.
