Salmata Sawadogo named woman of the year at the 2026 Mousso d’Or in Burkina Faso

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the city of Ouagadougou hosted the fourth edition of the Mousso d’Or awards. This prestigious event serves as a platform to honor Burkinabè women whose leadership and professional achievements are driving the nation’s progress. The ceremony highlighted excellence across various sectors, recognizing both individual women and impactful organizations.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Mousso d’Or 2026 trophy to Salmata Sawadogo. As the CEO of Salmata Commerce Général, her award celebrates her remarkable entrepreneurial journey and her dedication to fostering economic independence among women.

Upon receiving the distinction, the winner expressed her gratitude to the organizers and her supporters. She emphasized that this recognition serves as a call to action, encouraging her to continue her work and inspire other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with confidence.

The ceremony also celebrated talent in several other fields. Talato Ouédraogo took home the “Pépite d’or” award, while the Wend Guetta association was recognized in the “Association” category. In the realm of athletics, Charlotte Milliogo of the USFA was honored, alongside Mam Sank for catering and Almaty Meria in the music category.

Each recipient was presented with a trophy, a sash, and a certificate of merit. Additionally, a special honorary trophy was given to Adja Abibou Sana Ouédraogo in recognition of her lifelong commitment and career path.

A significant portion of the event was dedicated to national unity, with special awards presented to the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). These honors acknowledge their vital role in maintaining peace and social stability within Burkina Faso.

Mohamado Sanfo, the general commissioner of the event, explained that the core mission of the Mousso d’Or is to shine a light on women excelling in their respective fields. He noted that when a woman thrives, it has a positive ripple effect on the entire family.

Beyond the accolades, the initiative also includes a strong social component. This year, the organization provided training and support to forty widows of fallen soldiers to help them achieve financial autonomy.

Reflecting on the journey of the awards, Sanfo expressed pride in the event’s growth and the increasing public interest, despite the challenges faced during previous editions. He noted that the high level of participation this year reflects a growing commitment to the promotion of women’s rights and achievements.

In total, the fourth edition featured sixteen categories, seven special prizes, and one honorary trophy. Talato Ouédraogo, the “Pépite d’or” winner, praised the initiative for pushing women toward excellence and urged others to step into the spotlight without hesitation.

Through this latest edition, the Mousso d’Or continues its mission of celebrating the resilience and hard work of women who are essential to the development of Burkina Faso.