The fourth annual Mousso d’Or awards ceremony, held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Ouagadougou, shone a bright spotlight on exceptional Burkinabè women. This prestigious event honored their unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and significant accomplishments, all contributing profoundly to the nation’s progress. Dedicated to recognizing female excellence, the gala celebrated numerous women and organizations across various sectors, reinforcing the importance of Burkina Faso women empowerment.
As the evening concluded, the coveted Mousso d’Or 2026 trophy was presented to Salmata Sawadogo, the dynamic President and CEO of Salmata Commerce Général, marking her as the year’s top female achiever.
This significant accolade acknowledges her impressive entrepreneurial journey and her dedicated efforts towards fostering economic empowerment for women across Burkina Faso, a key aspect of African economy today.
The esteemed laureate conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to the event organizers and everyone who supported her path. She views this prestigious award not merely as recognition, but as a powerful call to action, urging her to redouble her efforts and inspire more women to trust their capabilities and embrace entrepreneurship.
Beyond the main honor, other notable women were celebrated across diverse categories. Talato Ouédraogo secured the « Pépite d’or» (Golden Nugget) award, while the Wend Guetta association was recognized in the « Association » category. Charlotte Milliogo, representing USFA, earned distinction in « Sport », Mam Sank excelled in « Restauration » (Catering), and Almaty Meria was crowned in the « Artiste musicienne » (Musical Artist) segment.
Each deserving laureate received a beautifully crafted trophy, an elegant sash, and a formal certificate of recognition. Additionally, an honorary trophy was bestowed upon Adja Abibou Sana Ouédraogo, acknowledging her remarkable career and profound commitment.
The event also featured the presentation of several special awards, notably honoring the Forces of Defense and Security (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). These accolades acknowledged their crucial contributions to upholding peace and fostering social cohesion within the nation, an important aspect of African politics and stability in West Africa.
Mohamado Sanfo, the event’s Commissioner General, emphasized that the core mission of Mousso d’Or is to shine a spotlight on women who demonstrate exceptional excellence in their respective fields. He eloquently stated, « When a woman finds happiness, an entire family finds happiness ».
Sanfo further highlighted the Mousso d’Or’s commitment to social initiatives supporting vulnerable women. This year, a significant outreach provided forty widows of fallen FDS members with vital training and ongoing support, specifically designed to bolster their autonomy and resilience.
Despite various challenges encountered throughout its editions, Mohamado Sanfo expressed immense satisfaction with the event’s remarkable evolution and the steadily increasing enthusiasm it generates, making it a notable feature in pan-African news.
He affirmed, « We have faced difficulties, yet our passion propels us forward. This year witnessed a robust mobilization, clearly underscoring the profound interest in advancing women’s promotion ».
In total, the fourth edition presented awards across sixteen categories, alongside seven special prizes and the singular honorary trophy. Talato Ouédraogo, recipient of the « Pépite d’or » award, commended the initiative for its powerful encouragement to women to strive for excellence.
She declared, « We wholeheartedly encourage all women aspiring to embark on new ventures to do so without hesitation. Today, female excellence is not only acknowledged but actively fostered ».
Through this fourth successful edition, the Mousso d’Or awards unequivocally reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to celebrating women. These are the women whose daily dedication, remarkable resilience, and tireless work significantly propel the advancement of Burkina Faso.
