The Malian government has announced the launch of the second edition of the International Entrepreneurship-AES Salon, a major event aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and economic transformation in the country. The conference was held at the Ministry of National Entrepreneurship, Employment and Vocational Training in Bamako, and was attended by various stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials. The event is scheduled to take place from November 18 to 21, 2026, at the Esplanade du Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.
The second edition of the salon is themed "Entrepreneurship at the heart of sovereignty and economic transformation: from entrepreneurial culture to value creation in the AES space." The event aims to bring together economic actors from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as well as participants from other African countries and international partners. The objective is to promote exchanges, develop value chains, and stimulate investments in the AES space.
According to Minister of National Entrepreneurship, Employment and Vocational Training, Oumou Sall Seck, the event is a key component of the National Entrepreneurship Strategy and its 2026-2030 Action Plan. The minister emphasized that economic sovereignty relies on the ability to undertake, produce, transform, and innovate using local resources and competencies. She also highlighted the success of the first edition, which attracted over 5,000 participants, 15,000 visitors, and 164 exhibitors.
The second edition of the salon will feature a range of activities, including conferences, panels, training sessions, exhibitions, business meetings, business plan competitions, networking spaces, and cultural events. The event is expected to provide a platform for entrepreneurs, young people, women entrepreneurs, and investors to showcase their ideas, projects, and products, and to create opportunities for partnerships and investments.
Minister Oumou Sall Seck emphasized that economic sovereignty does not mean isolation, but rather the valorization of local resources, transformation on site, and the establishment of balanced partnerships. She invited professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to participate in the event and contribute to its success. The minister also expressed gratitude to the President of the Transition, the Prime Minister, and other partners for their support.
The event is under the high patronage of General Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition and Head of State. The first edition of the salon recorded significant success, with 208 business plan applications received. The second edition aims to build on this success and provide a platform for entrepreneurs and investors to create jobs and value in the AES space.
The International Entrepreneurship-AES Salon is an important initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and economic transformation in Mali and the AES space. The event is expected to contribute to the country's economic development and provide opportunities for young people, women entrepreneurs, and investors to participate in the economy. The salon will provide a platform for participants to network, learn, and do business.
Key points
- The second edition of the International Entrepreneurship-AES Salon will take place from November 18 to 21, 2026, in Bamako.
- The event aims to promote entrepreneurship and economic transformation in the AES space.
- The salon will feature a range of activities, including conferences, panels, training sessions, exhibitions, and business meetings.
