On a vibrant Saturday evening in Ouagadougou, the fourth edition of the Mousso d’Or shone a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of Burkinabè women across diverse sectors. The prestigious ceremony, dedicated to honoring feminine excellence, recognized outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, sports, arts, and social impact, reinforcing the vital role women play in shaping the nation’s future.
At the heart of the evening’s festivities, the coveted Mousso d’Or 2026 award was presented to Salmata Sawadogo, founder and CEO of Salmata Commerce Général. This recognition celebrates not only her entrepreneurial vision but also her unwavering dedication to empowering women economically, fostering independence and leadership in communities across Burkina Faso.
In her acceptance speech, Sawadogo expressed deep gratitude to the organizers and supporters who have stood by her throughout her journey. For her, the award is more than a personal triumph—it’s a call to action for every woman to embrace ambition, take bold steps, and inspire others to do the same.
Other standout winners included Talato Ouédraogo, who claimed the Pépite d’or prize for her groundbreaking contributions in her field. The Wend Guetta Association was honored in the Association category, while Charlotte Milliogo (USFA) earned the Sport award. Mam Sank triumphed in Restauration, and Almaty Meria was celebrated in the Artiste musicienne category. Each recipient left with a trophy, a ceremonial sash, and a certificate of recognition.
A special honor was also bestowed upon Adja Abibou Sana Ouédraogo, whose lifelong commitment to service and community uplift was celebrated with a lifetime achievement trophy.
The ceremony took a moment to honor the Forces de défense et de sécurité (FDS) and Volontaires pour la défense de la patrie (VDP) with special awards, acknowledging their pivotal role in safeguarding peace and social cohesion. Addressing the audience, the event’s commissioner-general, Mohamado Sanfo, emphasized the transformative power of women’s empowerment.
Sanfo highlighted the event’s broader social mission, noting that this year, forty widows of fallen FDS personnel received vocational training and support to foster their independence—a testament to the Mousso d’Or’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable women.
Despite logistical and financial hurdles, Sanfo reflected on the event’s growing success, citing the increasing public enthusiasm as proof of its importance. « Our challenges are real, but our passion drives us forward. This year’s turnout reflects a growing national commitment to celebrating and empowering women », he shared.
In total, sixteen categories, seven special awards, and one lifetime honor were distributed during the evening. Talato Ouédraogo, winner of the Pépite d’or, echoed the event’s mission, urging women to pursue excellence without hesitation. « To every woman considering taking the leap—do it. The recognition of female excellence is stronger than ever », she affirmed.
As the fourth edition of the Mousso d’Or drew to a close, it became clear that this platform is more than an awards ceremony—it’s a movement. By celebrating resilience, innovation, and leadership, the event continues to inspire a new generation of women determined to drive progress in Burkina Faso.
