The AFRICAN MUSIC INDUSTRY FAIR (SIMA) offcially opens its second edition at the SOFITEL DÔME in Cotonou, under the theme: “Showcasing "And Financing Music in Francophone Africa: From Potential to Proof." The SIMA 2025comes back with a fresh drive:to convert African musical innovation into quantifiable economic value value. Over 7,000 attendees from 25 nationsare anticipated — including artists, producers, policymakers, investors, and civil society participants.
This second edition in Cotonou takes place inclose cooperation with national organizations and benefts from significant backing from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, via Benin Tourism and the Agency for the Development of Arts and Culture (@adac_benin).
The opening ceremony brought together several prominent personalities, including Mamby Diomandé, General Commissioner of SIMA, who confirmed the event’svision and pan-African ambition. Among the officials present wereLuc Atrokpo, Mayor of Cotonou, who highlightedthe significance of culture in local development strategies, and Mrs. Gandaho, on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, underscoring the firm dedication of the Beninese government to the cultural and creative industries.
A flagship event for Africa's music industry
Under the patronage of LIONEL TALON, founder of the CENTRE EYA, the SIMA 2025 features a rich and inclusive programmean artistic residency at theCENTRE EYAa professional event, workshops, panel talks, high-level B2B/B2G meetings and gatherings.
"The SIMA 2025 is not just a festival; it is a pan-African platform for change. We aim to show that music from Francophone countries can be a catalyst for growth, job creation, and international recognition. Africa is full of talent; what it needs now is economic evidence and organized funding,"-MAMBY DIOMANDÉ, General Commissioner of the SIMA.
Benin, an example of cultural leadership
BENINThe choice of the country as the host for the second edition is not accidental. The nation has madecultural and creative sectors (CCS) a core element of its growth, with more than €250 million invested between 2016 and 2026.
Selecting Cotonou was not a coincidence. Benin has positioned culture and tourism as key elements of its growth strategy. By hosting the SIMA, it reinforces the idea that culture is not a luxury but an investment in the future — a driver of unity, job creation, and impact. When a nation supports culture, it gains strength,stated the General Commissioner of the SIMA.
LIONEL TALON, founder of the CENTRE EYA and patron of the SIMA 2025, added:
Bringing the SIMA to Benin is a significant source of pride. This artistic residency and exhibition reflect the vitality, imagination, and unity of Africa's young generation. What makes the SIMA unique is its open-minded approach: it unites all participants in the music industry, including artists and financiers. It serves as a clear example of what we can accomplish with the proper determination, the right individuals, and a committed government. The SIMA equips our youth with the means to dream big and reach the international stage.
Strong institutional support
The CITY OF COTONOUis offering complete assistance to this pan-African event and stated its satisfaction with hosting it within its borders,Currently, with the SIMA, Cotonou is positioning itself as a regional center for cultural and creative industries — a gathering place for artists, decision-makers, financiers, and organizations. Hosting the SIMA provides our young people with a platform, a stage, and an area for motivation, while enhancing Cotonou's role as a regional hub for culture, music, and significant events, said LUC ATROKPO, Mayor of COTONOU.
For JEAN-MICHEL ABIMBOLA, Benin’s Minister of TOURISM, CULTURE and the ARTS — quoted by GWLADYS GANDAHO, Deputy Director of his administration,The SIMA fully supports the government's vision: establishing Benin as a significant cultural presence on the continent. By backing this event, we restate our belief that culture and music are strong catalysts for development, impact, and social unity.
A distinct goal: to professionalize and fund the music industries of Francophone Africa
By combining development, instruction, and financial organization, the SIMA 2025positions itself as a driver of long-term change. Emerging artists likeKIKIMOTELEBA (Côte d’Ivoire), VOILÀ LULU, DOGUISSIMI and OPA(Benin) participated in apan-African artistic residencyon 12 November, marking the first major highlight of this edition.
The SIMA 2025 will take place from 10th to 15th November 2025, with important events planned for13th and 14th of November at the SOFITEL COTONOU, and other activities at theCENTRE EYA, SEME CITY and MAISON ROUGE.
Sign up today to join inthe SIMA 2025 and access the complete schedule of masterclasses, spotlights, and sessions on www.simaonline.net
About SIMA
Developed and launched by professionals from the music industry, the African Music Industries Fair (SIMA) supports Africa's music sector, delivers education for experts throughout the industry, and serves as a business venue that links African participants with collaborators from around the world. SIMA, a genuine "mirror" of Africa's music industry, allows industry practitioners to connect with possible clients or partners, present their services, and enhance their knowledge of the African and global music market.
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