Benin: SIMA aims to transform the influence of African music into economic power

The Salon of Musical Industries of Francophone Africa (SIMA) announced on September 25, 2026, that its third edition will be held in Cotonou, Benin, on November 12 and 13, 2026. The stated theme: "African music: from the stage to global influence."

From a cultural phenomenon to an industry

Created in 2022 by Ivorian cultural entrepreneur Mamby Diomandé and artist-producer Pit Baccardi, the event is based on a simple observation: African sounds are listened to everywhere, but the value created remains largely captured elsewhere. "Our challenge is now to transform this influence into sustainable economic power," explains Mamby Diomandé, as quoted by Afrimag. The organization is pushing for the goal of a creative economy capable of generating 20 million jobs by 2030.

The previous edition brought together more than 6,700 participants, including more than 3,000 professionals, according to Music In Africa. This time, the organizers are announcing support from the Beninese Ministry of Culture, the BOAD Foundation, Sacem, Sony Music, and Warner Music Africa.

Three priorities and a creative laboratory

The program is organized around three pillars: the competitiveness and internationalization of African cultural enterprises; bridges between music, fashion, cinema, tourism, and sports; and finally, public policy, intellectual property, and regulation, which is the crux of the matter for artists whose rights often escape national circuits.

Ahead of the event, from November 7 to 11, 2026, a residency called SIMA Lab. Music will bring together artists to produce a collective EP intended for distribution by an international major label. The two professional days will address artificial intelligence, copyright, artist mobility, and financing, with a dialogue also planned between the football and music sectors. The Makaya showcase will highlight emerging talent from Togo, Kenya, and Madagascar, a sign of an ambition that extends beyond the Francophone space. A tourist circuit organized with Benin Tourism is scheduled for November 14, 2026.

Cotonou as a marketplace

By hosting this event, Benin is consolidating its investment strategy in the creative industries, alongside its major heritage projects. For professionals on the continent, the stakes are concrete: negotiating contracts, structuring catalogs, and defending rights from an African marketplace, rather than waiting for decisions made in London, Paris, or Los Angeles.