Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – The prestigious fourth edition of the Mousso d’Or awards took place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Ouagadougou, celebrating the remarkable contributions of Burkinabè women. This significant event highlighted the dedication, leadership, and achievements of women who are actively driving the nation’s progress. Conceived to spotlight feminine excellence, the ceremony honored numerous women and organizations across diverse professional sectors.
As the evening concluded, the coveted Mousso d’Or 2026 trophy was presented to Salmata Sawadogo, the Chief Executive Officer of Salmata Commerce Général.
This distinguished recognition acknowledges her impressive entrepreneurial journey and her unwavering commitment to fostering women’s economic empowerment in Burkina Faso.
Upon receiving her award, the laureate expressed profound gratitude to the organizers and all those who have supported her throughout her career. She viewed this honor as a powerful incentive to persist in her endeavors and to inspire more women to embrace their potential and embark on entrepreneurial paths.
Beyond the top honor, other categories celebrated significant achievements. Talato Ouédraogo was recognized with the “Pépite d’or” (Golden Nugget) award, while the Wend Guetta association stood out in the “Association” category. Charlotte Milliogo of the USFA received accolades in the “Sport” category, Mam Sank was honored for “Restauration,” and Almaty Meria was celebrated as the top “Artiste musicienne.”
Each award recipient departed with a beautifully crafted trophy, an honorary sash, and a certificate of recognition. An additional trophy of honor was bestowed upon Adja Abibou Sana Ouédraogo, acknowledging her remarkable journey and enduring commitment.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of several special awards, notably to the Forces de défense et de sécurité (FDS) and the Volontaires pour la défense de la patrie (VDP). These accolades recognized their invaluable contributions to maintaining peace and fostering social cohesion within Burkina Faso.
Mohamado Sanfo, the event’s Commissioner General, articulated the core mission of the Mousso d’Or: to shine a light on women who demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication in their respective fields. He emphasized the ripple effect of women’s happiness, stating, “When a woman is happy, an entire family is happy.”
He further elaborated that the Mousso d’Or initiative extends its impact through social outreach programs supporting vulnerable women. This year, a significant effort saw forty widows of fallen FDS members receive comprehensive training and ongoing support designed to enhance their self-sufficiency.
Despite the various challenges encountered during past editions, Mohamado Sanfo expressed immense satisfaction with the event’s continuous growth and the escalating enthusiasm it garners.
“We faced difficulties, but our passion propels us forward. This year, we witnessed a robust turnout, which undeniably reflects the increasing interest in advancing women’s status,” he affirmed.
In total, this fourth edition saw the presentation of awards across sixteen distinct categories, along with seven special prizes and one honorary trophy. Talato Ouédraogo, the “Pépite d’or” laureate, commended the initiative for its role in motivating women to pursue excellence.
“We encourage all women aspiring to embark on new ventures to do so without hesitation. Today, feminine excellence is not only recognized but actively championed,” she declared.
Through the success of its fourth edition, the Mousso d’Or awards unequivocally reiterate their core mission: to honor and celebrate the women whose diligent work, unwavering resilience, and profound commitment contribute daily to the flourishing development of Burkina Faso.
