Abidjan – The city of Abidjan hosted the inaugural edition of the Apartés d’Abidjan, an event by Forbes Africa, marking a significant moment in the Ivorian economic capital. This gathering became the highlight of the year’s end in Abidjan, attracting the elite of the business world.
According to Africa News Agency, the event took place at La Résidence, a highly exclusive club in Abidjan, providing an ideal setting for the ceremony. The event featured discussions on pivotal themes such as finance, energy, entrepreneurship, and digital technology. These talks were led by prominent figures including Cyrille Nkontchou, the Cameroonian financier and founder of Enko Education, and Siriki Sangaré, founder of Opes Holding SA and president of the National Chamber of Approved Promoters and Builders of Côte d’Ivoire (CNPC-CI).
Forbes Africa recognized four individuals and institutions for their contributions in 2023. Alain Kouadio, CEO of Kaydan, was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year prize for his efforts in supporting young entrepreneurs. Henri-Claude Oyima, leading the Central Africa’s largest banking group BGFIBank, received the Financier of the Year award, accepted on his behalf by Malick Ndiaye, general manager of BGFIBANK Côte d’Ivoire.
The event also highlighted female leadership with Rwandan Maryse Mbonyumutwa, CEO of Pink Mango and founder of the pan-African fashion brand Asantii, receiving the Women’s Leadership award. In the startup category, Cameroonian Brandon Wanguep, founder of the FindMe addressing solution and featured in Forbes Africa TOP 30 Under 30, was named Startuper of the Year.
The ceremony was further embellished with a performance by Ivorian jazz singer Santé Hiol, providing a backdrop for networking and business discussions. This successful first edition of Forbes Africa’s Apartés d’Abidjan sets the stage for another edition in 2024 in a different French-speaking African capital.