Yemad Space Hosts 2026 Yelenba Market in Abidjan, Reinforcing Its Role as a Cultural and Commercial Hub

The Yelenba Market returned to Abidjan on April 18 and 19, 2026, for its seventh edition, reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a hub for local entrepreneurship and creative industries in Côte d’Ivoire.

Hosted at Espace Yemad, the event brought together dozens of local artisans, designers and small business owners showcasing handmade goods, fashion, food, and cultural products. Organizers emphasized the market’s role in promoting economic inclusion and highlighting talent from across the country.

According to a post by Yelenba Women in Action on Instagram, the 2026 edition featured a curated selection of vendors representing diverse sectors, including traditional crafts, contemporary fashion, and eco-conscious products. The organizers described the market as an immersive experience designed to connect consumers with authentic Ivorian creativity.

The Yelenba Market is part of a broader initiative by Yelenba Women in Action, an Abidjan-based nonprofit focused on gender equality, education, and community development. The organization has previously partnered with international groups such as UNESCO and the Orange Foundation on educational and humanitarian projects in Côte d’Ivoire.

This edition of the market coincided with other major cultural events in Abidjan, including the 2026 edition of MASA (Marché des Arts du Spectacle Africain), which took place in mid-April and featured 99 performances from artists across 28 countries. MASA organizers have positioned the festival as a platform for cultural exchange, business networking, and industry development in Africa’s creative sectors.

Together, these events underscore Abidjan’s emerging role as a destination for cultural and creative entrepreneurship in West Africa. By providing accessible platforms for local producers to reach new audiences, initiatives like the Yelenba Market contribute to the formalization of informal economies and support sustainable livelihoods.

Yelenba Women in Action continues to operate from its headquarters in Abidjan, where it maintains active programs in education, gender-based violence prevention, and youth empowerment. The organization can be contacted via email at yelenba.wia@gmail.com or by phone at +225 05 05 18 18 08.