The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Handicrafts is taking a decisive step in structuring the food sector with the organization, from April 28 to 30, 2026, in Grand-Bassam, of the national workshop to validate draft regulations governing agricultural and food product markets.
This initiative, part of the Food Value Chain Development Project (PDC2V) with support from the World Bank, aims to provide Côte d’Ivoire with a modern, coherent legal framework adapted to the current realities of the food trade, while implementing the recommendations from the National Market Conference, organized to provide structural and sustainable solutions to the dysfunctions observed in the sector.
Representing the Ministry, Ogba Aline, Director of Integration and Promotion of Commercial Activities, emphasized the strategic nature of the reforms undertaken, which constitute a major lever for the implementation of structuring projects, particularly the wholesale markets of Abidjan, Daloa, and Abengourou. She indicated that these new decrees will strengthen governance, improve market organization, and reduce post-harvest losses, while promoting infrastructure compliance with international standards and combating the informal sector.
Stakeholders in the sector, particularly women traders and cooperative leaders, welcomed this inclusive approach that fully involves them in the decision-making process. Ms. Mabaty Dosso, drawing on several decades of experience, expressed her delight at this recognition of the central role of food professionals. She nevertheless emphasized the need to ensure better market supply and make infrastructure more affordable, so that all stakeholders can fully benefit from future wholesale markets without exacerbating the high cost of living.
Similarly, Ms. Meguhé Adélaïde, President of the platform for stakeholders in the food market, highlighted the importance of organization, training, and access to information to strengthen the sector’s productivity and performance. She encouraged stakeholders, particularly women, to become more organized and to take full advantage of the tools available to them, especially professional cards.
Through this reform, the Government reaffirms its commitment to building a modern, inclusive, and efficient marketing system capable of guaranteeing food security and sustainably supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s economic development.
