Côte d’Ivoire partners with business group to expand Made in Côte d’Ivoire exports to Europe
Côte d’Ivoire has signed a partnership aimed at helping local companies gain greater access to the European market, as the West African country seeks to expand exports and strengthen the international presence of its products and services.
The agreement was signed on Aug. 12, 2026, between Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export, the national agency responsible for promoting and developing Ivorian exports, and the Chambre Ivoirienne de Commerce et d’Industrie en Belgique et Union Européenne (CICIBE). The partnership is designed to provide businesses with practical support as they seek to enter and expand in European markets.
Under the agreement, Ivorian companies will be supported in establishing contacts with European buyers, distributors and other business partners. The partnership will also help companies better understand European market requirements, including standards and regulatory conditions that can determine whether products are able to enter the market.
The initiative also provides for greater access to European economic and institutional networks, as well as promotional activities including trade fairs, showrooms and other commercial events. The partners also intend to strengthen the visibility and recognition of the “Made in Côte d’Ivoire” brand among European buyers.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the agreement comes as the country seeks to move beyond the export of raw commodities and increase the international presence of locally produced goods and services. The government has increasingly focused on strengthening the competitiveness of domestic companies and helping them meet international standards.
The partnership also comes alongside broader efforts by Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export to prepare businesses for international markets. In 2026, the agency has organised programmes on international standards, export requirements and sustainable packaging, areas considered important for companies seeking to compete abroad.
The European market represents both a major opportunity and a demanding environment for Ivorian businesses. Beyond finding buyers, companies must meet regulatory, quality, packaging and other market requirements before they can establish sustainable export channels.
The agreement with CICIBE is therefore intended to bridge that gap by combining market access, business networking and export-readiness support.
For Ivorian small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, the initiative could provide a pathway to European buyers while strengthening the positioning of products carrying the “Made in Côte d’Ivoire” identity.
The partnership marks another step in Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to diversify its export markets, increase value-added exports and strengthen economic ties with Europe.
