Côte d’Ivoire Positions Agriculture at the Heart of Its 2026–2030 National Development Plan

Agriculture is set to remain a cornerstone of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy and a key driver of its 2026–2030 National Development Plan (NDP), as the government seeks to accelerate economic transformation, strengthen food security and expand value-added agricultural industries.

Figures presented during the National Development Plan Forum highlight the sector’s strategic importance to the country’s economic growth, exports and employment.

In 2025, Côte d’Ivoire’s agricultural production reached 37.05 million tonnes, reflecting the sector’s continued expansion. Food crops accounted for 70% of total output, while 30% came from cash crops, underscoring agriculture’s dual role in supporting domestic food supply and export revenues.

The agricultural sector contributes 17% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making it one of the main pillars of the primary sector. It also generates 50% of Côte d’Ivoire’s export earnings, reinforcing its role as one of the country's largest sources of foreign exchange.

Beyond its economic contribution, agriculture remains one of the country's largest employers, accounting for 40% of the active workforce and providing livelihoods for millions of Ivorians, particularly in rural communities.

Côte d’Ivoire continues to strengthen its position as a global agricultural powerhouse. The country remains the world's largest producer of cocoa and cashew nuts, while also ranking as Africa’s leading producer of natural rubber, with production reaching 11.25 million tonnes in 2025, an increase of 8.9% compared with the previous year.

For the government, these performances provide a strong foundation for accelerating structural economic transformation. Authorities aim to modernize agricultural value chains, expand local processing industries, improve productivity and increase the value added generated within the country.

Presented as part of discussions on the 2026–2030 National Development Plan and highlighted by Minister of Construction, Housing and Urban Development Bruno Nabagné Koné, the strategy reflects Côte d’Ivoire’s broader ambition to use agriculture as a catalyst for industrialization, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Through the 2026–2030 National Development Plan, Côte d’Ivoire intends to build on the sector’s achievements while strengthening climate resilience, attracting private investment and developing competitive agro-industrial value chains capable of supporting long-term inclusive growth.