Côte d’Ivoire: Customs Exemption of 7 to 15% on Animal Feed

This measure by the Ivorian government aims to boost the livestock sector and reduce production costs. The country aspires to achieve food sovereignty by covering more than 65% of the population's consumption needs in animal and fishery products by 2026.

In Côte d’Ivoire, the government has introduced a partial exemption from customs duties and taxes ranging from 7% to 15% on products intended for animal feed. This was announced by Sidi Tiémoko Touré, Minister of Animal and Fishery Resources, on Wednesday, April 2. This measure is part of a series of initiatives aimed at supporting the livestock sector and optimizing production costs related to animal feed.

Furthermore, the minister stated that “the modernization of production, processing, and marketing infrastructures” is essential to enhance livestock products. To achieve this goal, the government has launched several strategic programs, including the Poultry Sector Modernization Project (PMSA) and the Abattoir Installation Project of Côte d’Ivoire (PAVCI).

This announcement comes at a time when animal production stakeholders are facing rising input costs, which account for more than 60% of expenses, according to the Ministry of Animal and Fishery Resources. Lowering the cost of importing inputs could stimulate increased production, improve the availability of animal feed, and reduce the financial burden on producers.

It is worth recalling that Côte d’Ivoire aims to achieve food sovereignty by covering over 65% of the population’s consumption needs in animal and fishery products by 2026, up from 26.7% in 2019. This will significantly reduce imports of these products and cut foreign exchange losses estimated at over 451.5 billion FCFA.

As part of its National Policy for the Development of Livestock, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (PONADEPA) 2022-2026, the Ivorian government has outlined a strategic plan focusing on cattle, poultry, and aquaculture to ensure self-sufficiency in animal protein. Over the next five years, PONADEPA will emphasize efficient management by modernizing regulations and institutions while encouraging greater private sector involvement in these industries.