Opening of the Salon International des Ressources Extractives et Énergétiques (SIREXE): A decisive step towards sustainable development in Africa

Côte d'Ivoire marked a historic step forward in the development of the mining, oil and energy sectors with the official opening of the Salon International des Ressources Extractives et Énergétiques (SIREXE). This large-scale event brought together regional and international leaders to reflect together on the challenges and opportunities linked to the sustainable exploitation of the continent's natural resources.

A ceremony under the banner of excellence and international cooperation

The opening ceremony, held in the heart of Côte d'Ivoire's economic capital, was graced by the presence of His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, His Excellency Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Vice-President of Côte d'Ivoire, and His Excellency Kashim Shettima, Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guest of honour at this first edition.

Speaking on behalf of the Ivorian Head of State, the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, underlined the purpose of SIREXE: "SIREXE aims to bring together all the scattered initiatives and integrate the mining, petroleum and energy sectors on a single platform.

With over 300 exhibitors and 1,500 trade delegates from 50 countries taking part, the show is already establishing itself as a catalyst for exchange, innovation and sustainable solutions.

Côte d'Ivoire, a strategic hub in West Africa

In his speech, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly recalled Côte d'Ivoire's remarkable progress in the extractive sectors. These achievements include increased electrification, reaching 95% of localities compared to 33% in 2011, as well as initiatives such as the "Electricity for All" programme, aimed at achieving universal access by 2030.

On the mining front, gold production has quadrupled in a decade, and strategic resources such as cobalt and lithium are currently being explored. The country has also set itself ambitious targets for renewable energy, with a planned 45% share of the energy mix by 2030, while reducing its carbon footprint through projects such as the zero-emission 'Baleine' oil field.

A framework for meeting challenges and seizing opportunities

SIREXE is not just about exhibiting natural resources: it is a strategic platform for tackling the environmental, economic and social challenges associated with resource exploitation. Local transformation, the financing of extractive projects and the reduction of inequalities are at the heart of the discussions, in a spirit of enhanced international cooperation.

The Vice-President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, stressed the importance of collaboration between African nations to maximise the added value of extractive resources, while Ambassador Ingrid Mollestad shared Norway's expertise in the responsible management of natural resources.

A message of optimism for the future

In his closing address, the Minister appealed to the younger generations to seize the opportunities offered by these dynamic sectors and become the driving force behind the continent's transformation: "Together, let's transform obstacles into drivers of sustainable development".

Now officially open, SIREXE 2024 is already shaping up to be a milestone in positioning Côte d'Ivoire and Africa on the road to responsible and innovative exploitation of their natural resources.