The Francophone African Music Industries Show (SIMA) is poised to mark a turning point for the sector. With less than a month to go before the event, General Commissioner Mamby Diomande officially presented the program and impressive network of partners at a press conference held in Cotonou on Friday, October 17, 2025.

Under the theme "Promoting and financing the music of French-speaking Africa: from potential to proof", this second edition confirms the pan-African and international scope of SIMA, which will be held in Cotonou from November 10 to 15, 2025. More than 7,000 participants are expected.

The prestigious GRAMMYS and Les Flammes

To build an edition that meets the challenges of the sector, SIMA 2025 relies on a solid network of institutional, strategic and media partners, underlining its global ambition.

The event ensured the presence of an ecosystem of excellence bringing together major players in the cultural and creative industries: Majors and Labels: The giants of the global music industry Sony Music, Warner, Universal, as well as Because Music and OneRPM. Rights management: SACEM (Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers).

These organizations are joining forces to place French-speaking African music at the heart of global dynamics of creation, financing and export.

 

Institutional and Local Support

Institutional support anchors the event in a dynamic of governmental and regional cooperation. For the government, there will be the Ministry of Culture of Benin (through Benin Tourism and ADAC) and the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie of Côte d'Ivoire. Regarding cooperation, there are the French Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire and the French Embassy in Benin, the BOAD Foundation, and the French Institute in Benin (through Création Africa).

Major local partners, such as the Eya Cultural Center, the Sofitel Benin and Gozem, also anchor the event in Benin.

To ensure local, regional and international resonance, a wide media network was mobilized, including Canal+, TV5Monde, BET France, Africa24, Music In Africa and Nektar.

SIMA 2025 will be structured around two major components. The first phase will be dedicated to an artist residency—a major new feature of this edition—and masterclasses.

The second part will focus on professional meetings (B2B/B2G), networking, and speed dating. Discussions will address key topics such as the legal framework, financing mechanisms, the development of a competitive live scene, and the role of governments. Certification workshops will also be organized to strengthen the sector's professionalization.

"SIMA is not just an event; it's a platform for transformation. We call on all public, private, cultural, and economic stakeholders to join us in building this business model, a strong, inclusive, and sustainable French-speaking music industry," said SIMA Founder and General Commissioner Mamby Diomandé.

The event aims to leave a structured, competitive and promising music economy as a legacy for the continent.