Canada launches 15 million CAD initiative to support Ivorian SMEs
- The Canadian government has launched a 15 million Canadian dollar (approximately 6.16 billion CFA francs) initiative to support Ivorian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing international markets.
- Implemented by Tfo Canada in partnership with the CCI-CI, the five-year project focuses on strengthening organizational capacities in digital technology, climate resilience, financial access, and gender inclusivity.
- The launch of TRISEG follows a period of intensifying economic ties between the two nations.
The Canadian government has launched a 15 million Canadian dollar (approximately 6.16 billion CFA francs) initiative to support Ivorian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing international markets. Announced on October 8, 2026, at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CCI-CI) in Abidjan, the project—titled “Commerce for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth” (TRISEG)—aims to prepare 200 local businesses for export, particularly to Canada.
Project Goals for Ivorian Businesses
Implemented by Tfo Canada in partnership with the CCI-CI, the five-year project focuses on strengthening organizational capacities in digital technology, climate resilience, financial access, and gender inclusivity. Brenda Garcia, Africa project manager at Tfo Canada, stated that the program’s primary objective is to guide these 200 SMEs through the process until they establish their first contacts with Canadian buyers. For local businesses, the initiative serves as a new entry point into the North American market. Jessica Linda Kengba Akoubé of the firm Somat Trading, which operates in the coconut sector, described the project as a significant opportunity for companies looking to begin exporting. The Canadian side emphasized that when entrepreneurs have access to the tools they need to succeed, entire economies benefit.
According to Cissé Ismaila, director of business support and private sector promotion at the CCI-CI, the chamber is tasked with ensuring the long-term continuity of the initiative by capitalizing on the training, tools, and networks created.
Economic Cooperation Between Canada and Côte d’Ivoire
The launch of TRISEG follows a period of intensifying economic ties between the two nations. This collaboration aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND). Sandra Choufani, the Canadian Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, met with the Ivorian Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, Adama Coulibaly, on September 29, 2026, to discuss ongoing cooperation. During that meeting, the ambassador expressed Canada’s support for the economic progress Côte d’Ivoire has achieved over the past decade. We have a few projects on which we are working at the moment and I came to speak about them with the Minister to move these files forward,
the ambassador noted, while praising the excellent cooperation between the two nations.
Expanded Air Transport Agreement
To facilitate increased trade and connectivity, Canada and Côte d’Ivoire finalized an expanded air transport agreement announced on October 6 by Steven MacKinnon, Canada’s Minister of Transport and Government Leader in the House of Commons. The deal allows each country to operate up to 14 weekly flights combining passengers and cargo, and up to 10 weekly all-cargo flights. The agreement includes “fifth freedom” rights for all-cargo flights to destinations in Africa, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Our government is proud to announce this new agreement with Côte d’Ivoire, which will help grow our two economies while creating new opportunities for our populations and businesses,
Minister MacKinnon indicated. Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, noted that Canadian exports to Côte d’Ivoire increased by 32% over the previous year, with total bilateral merchandise trade reaching 1.2 billion dollars in 2025. Côte d’Ivoire currently stands as Canada’s fourth-largest bilateral trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
Long-term Sustainability of the Export Initiative
While the TRISEG project is now operational, the specific timeline for the first cohort of SMEs to transition from training to active exporting remains to be determined. It is not yet known which specific sectors beyond coconut production will receive priority status for the initial export phase, nor have the final metrics for success been publicly established beyond the target of 200 businesses.