SIREXE 2026 Officially Launched in Abidjan

The Vice President of Côte d’Ivoire, Minister of Defense, Téné Birahima Ouattara, officially launched the second edition of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE) on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire.

The event is scheduled to take place from November 18 to 22, 2026, at the Abidjan Exhibition Park, with participation expected from 30 countries.

This year’s edition will be held under the theme: “Extractive and Energy Industries: What Infrastructure Is Needed to Support Economic Development in Africa?” Botswana, Africa’s leading mining power, will be the guest of honor.

On the occasion, Téné Birahima Ouattara emphasized that SIREXE contributes to the implementation of President Alassane Ouattara’s vision, which aims to position extractive and energy resources as a major pillar of the country’s economic development, alongside agriculture and services.

“Our country is on a strong upward trajectory in these strategic sectors. In recent years, we have made major discoveries of hydrocarbon and mineral deposits, demonstrating both the immense groundwork carried out and, above all, the significant potential of our country in mineral resources,” he stated.

According to him, SIREXE serves as a platform for African and international sectoral cooperation, fully aligned with Côte d’Ivoire’s policy of openness and action toward successful integration and inclusive development across the continent.

“As a platform for strategic dialogue, partnerships, and investments in extractive and energy industries, SIREXE promotes the responsible exploitation of Africa’s natural resources for the benefit of its populations and future generations,” he added.

He also announced that a memorandum of understanding will be signed during the event between Côte d’Ivoire and Botswana in the mining and energy sectors, reflecting a renewed momentum for South-South cooperation.

For his part, the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, who also chairs the steering committee, explained that the choice of Botswana offers an opportunity to share the country’s inspiring model in governance of the extractive and energy sectors.

“Côte d’Ivoire aims to strengthen cooperation with Botswana at a time when it is entering a decisive turning point in its extractive industry, particularly in enhancing the value of its recent world-class discoveries,” he noted.

He welcomed the role of SIREXE in positioning Côte d’Ivoire as a leading mining destination, adding: “It has also helped place our country among the eight nations that will shape the future of Africa’s energy sector.”

Also present at the event, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to promoting cooperation through bilateral and multilateral agreements.