Press Release
Abidjan, Ivory Coast (October 08, 2026) – TFO Canada is proud to announce the launch of the “Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth” (TRISEG) initiative in Ivory Coast, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ivory Coast (CCI-CI). TRISEG is a five-year initiative (2025–2030) designed to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and contribute to sustainable economic growth in 16 developing and least developed countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, TRISEG will work with trade support institutions and other stakeholders in participating countries to strengthen their capacity to support SMEs, particularly businesses owned or led by women and under-represented groups. The initiative will help SMEs overcome barriers to growth and internationalization through capacity building, export-readiness support, digitalization, access to finance, and climate resilience.
To mark the launch, TFO Canada staff traveled to Ivory Coast to meet with key stakeholders and introduce the TRISEG initiative to local partners on October 8. Launch activities brought together representatives from trade support institutions, government agencies, private-sector organizations, financial institutions, and other stakeholders working in SME development and international trade. These meetings provided an opportunity to discuss the project’s objectives, identify areas for collaboration, and establish the partnerships needed to support SMEs throughout this five-year initiative.
“TFO Canada is proud to support small and medium enterprises in Ivory Coast to strengthen their export capacity and access new opportunities in foreign markets, thereby turning market access into sustainable economic growth. The TRISEG project reflects the ongoing partnership we have maintained for years with Ivorian institutions, as well as with our funding partner, Global Affairs Canada.”
— Steve Tipman, Executive Director, TFO Canada.
The project will strengthen the capacity of trade support institutions to provide gender-responsive services and practical support to SMEs, including market intelligence, business coaching, export development, digital strategies, and connections with Canadian and international buyers.
An essential component of the TRISEG project will focus on environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Through a dedicated SME Climate Resilience Fund (SME CRF), the project will provide small grants to SMEs led or owned by women and other under-represented groups to fund technical assistance, digital resources, capacity building, and training. The SME CRF will also support the development of investment plans to improve the environmental sustainability and climate resilience of selected SMEs.
TRISEG will target 200 SMEs in Ivory Coast, 67% of which will be owned or led by women and under-represented groups. In total, TRISEG will target 3,200 SMEs, including 2,133 owned or led by women and under-represented groups. The initiative will be implemented in 16 countries:
- Africa: Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zambia
- Asia: Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam
- Latin America and the Caribbean: Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Peru.
In addition to direct support to targeted SMEs, TFO Canada will provide up-to-date trade information through its online platform, with an expected reach of more than 5,550 SME beneficiaries from the participating countries.
More about TFO Canada
Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) Canada is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to catalyze economic growth through sustainable and inclusive trade partnerships for Small and Medium Enterprises in developing countries. TFO Canada assists Small and Medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) from developing countries to access Canadian and international markets through information, advice, and contact services.
Since 1980, TFO Canada’s internationally experienced project staff and sectoral experts have been providing trade promotion and capacity-building services to tens of thousands of SMEs and Trade Support Institutions/Trade Promotion Organizationsand from Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
About Global Affairs Canada
Global Affairs Canada defines, shapes and advances Canada’s interests and values in a complex global environment. The department manages diplomatic relations, promotes international trade and provides consular assistance. It leads international development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance efforts. It also contributes to national security and the development of international law.
TRISEG is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
Media Contact
Fatima Zahra Idrissi
Program Manager,
Trade Information and Communications
TFO Canada
1 613 233-3925 ext.0015
[email protected]
Published on November 3rd, 2026.