Representatives from the government, administrators from public and private services, business leaders, high-ranking military officials, and other authorities attended the event at the invitation of Marie-Laure Adom Kouaho, CEO of AMS Entreprise and winner of the special Pan-African ICS 2023-2024 award for Best Leader in Construction and Housing Sales Companies in Côte d'Ivoire.

After highlighting the recipient’s strong educational background in various fields, including real estate, Yves Ibrahima Kéïta, Director General of Interafricaine de Communication et de Sondages, emphasized that Marie-Laure Adom Kouaho did not force her way into the construction industry but rather entered through the front door.

Addressing the awardee, he stated: « You have shattered the glass ceiling in the construction industry, ended sexism in this sector, and paved the way for other women who have so far faced an obstacle that is now surmountable for the female workforce. »

Speaking on the issue of social housing policies, Mr. Kéïta regretted the limited involvement of local builders. According to the ICS Director General, the local real estate sector is one with which the Ivorian government must collaborate to successfully achieve the ambitious Presidential Program for the Construction of 150,000 Social and Affordable Housing Units by 2020-2025.

In her speech to the audience, the awardee expressed her gratitude to the Minister of Construction, Housing, and Urban Development, Bruno Nabagné Koné, for the major reforms undertaken in the real estate sector. She also acknowledged the partnership between her company and the Ministry of Health.

After dedicating the award to her family and colleagues, she stated that « this award is not an end in itself but an encouragement to continue innovating, working with determination, and aiming ever higher ».

Mrs. Kouaho took the opportunity to announce to the public the major real estate projects that her company is preparing to launch in Abidjan and Yamoussoukro.