Now an unmissable event for those involved in African music, the Salon des Industries Musicales d’Afrique Francophone (SIMA) is setting up shop in Cotonou this year. Following its success in Abidjan, the 2025 edition aims to build on this momentum by transforming African music from mere potential into concrete proof of its economic, cultural and diplomatic power.
The Francophone African Music Industry Exhibition (SIMA) continues its pan-African adventure by moving to Cotonou this year, following a successful first edition in Abidjan. From 10 to 15 November 2025, more than 7,000 participants are expected to attend this second edition, themed ‘From potential to proof’. The event aims to demonstrate that African music is not only a cultural vehicle, but also an economic and diplomatic lever capable of transforming the continent in a sustainable way.
Understanding the issues and challenges surrounding the music industry, but also being able to create commercial and business relationships between stakeholders and music industries.
Mamby Diomandé, General Commissioner and Founder of SIMA
Despite its recognised creative dynamism, French-speaking African music still struggles to attract the funding necessary for its development. Private investment capital represents barely 0.1% of GDP, compared to 1% in developed economies. Without traditional guarantees, independent artists and producers struggle to attract banks and investors. According to the IFPI, music revenues in sub-Saharan Africa reached $100 million in 2024, a figure that is still modest compared to the $29.6 billion generated worldwide.
The music industry, for the simple and sole reason that we are here to discuss the issues and challenges facing our industry, and that it is time for our industry to earn its stripes and for us to be a music industry with a capital M.
Mamby Diomandé, General Commissioner and Founder of SIMA
In light of this, SIMA intends to act as a catalyst for a sustainable and better-funded music ecosystem. The event will serve as a platform for dialogue between artists, institutions, donors and public decision-makers, particularly from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Madagascar and Gabon. By bringing together innovation, networking and political commitment, the fair hopes to develop concrete solutions to transform Africa’s creative potential into a real engine for growth.
