Côte d’Ivoire trains 100 SMEs to prevent and manage fire risks

Côte d’Ivoire has launched a five-day training programme to help 100 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) prevent fires and respond to emergencies, as the government seeks to strengthen industrial safety and protect economic activity.

The training runs from October 19 to 23, 2026, in Abidjan under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Crafts. It aims to improve companies’ ability to identify fire hazards, protect workers and secure equipment and business premises.

The programme focuses on fire prevention and emergency management, with the objective of limiting the human and economic consequences of incidents that can disrupt production and threaten jobs.

The initiative is led by the ministry’s Directorate-General for Industry in collaboration with the Diversification, Industrial Acceleration, Competitiveness and Employment programme, known by its French acronym DAICE.

It follows an earlier edition held in 2025, which benefited 50 SMEs. The number of participating businesses has doubled for the 2026 programme.

Small and medium-sized enterprises play an important role in Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, but fire incidents can expose them to significant losses, including damaged machinery, destroyed stock, production stoppages and risks to employees’ safety.

By strengthening prevention measures and emergency preparedness, the government aims to help businesses reduce these risks and maintain more secure working environments.

The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on how participating companies apply the training in their daily operations, including the implementation of appropriate safety procedures and emergency plans.