Côte d’Ivoire: Malian Businessman Cessé Komé Prepares a 26 Billion FCFA Investment in the Milling Sector

The Ivorian milling industry is preparing to welcome a new investment aimed at strengthening local wheat processing capabilities. Moulin Koira de Côte d’Ivoire (MKCI), a company led by Malian businessman Cessé Komé, plans to inject $46 million (approximately 26 billion FCFA) into developing its milling capacity in the country.

The project was presented in Abidjan following a meeting between Cessé Komé and the Centre for Promotion of Investment in Côte d’Ivoire (CEPICI). This investment is designed to enable MKCI to build a wheat-to-flour processing operation in Côte d’Ivoire, aiming to meet domestic demand while also serving sub-regional markets.

This ambition comes at a time when wheat consumption in Côte d’Ivoire is projected to reach 806,000 metric tons during the 2026/2027 market season, according to estimates from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Demand has reportedly grown by 34% in recent years, driven by changing dietary habits in urban centers and the expansion of commercial bakery networks. This sector alone is estimated to generate around $167 million in annual revenue, according to industry sources.

Côte d’Ivoire remains dependent on imports for its wheat supply, as the crop is not grown locally at a commercial scale. Imported volumes arrive primarily through the Port of Abidjan before being transported to processing units. For MKCI, the main challenge will be integrating into this supply chain by establishing a local processing operation for imported raw materials.

The completion of the mill remains subject to several preliminary steps. During the discussions with CEPICI, key topics included site selection, water access, and the installation of heavy machinery and industrial equipment. Setting up the plant within an established industrial zone was also explored to ensure the project operates in an environment tailored for heavy production.

Beyond the domestic market, MKCI stands to benefit from regional trade opportunities. Côte d’Ivoire supplies flour and wheat-based products to several neighboring countries. Burkina Faso represents a key destination, absorbing over 80% of the wheat-based products re-exported by Côte d’Ivoire.

For the Ivorian economy, this planned investment enters an already competitive milling landscape currently served by four active market players. However, the addition of new capacity is expected to strengthen the national industrial processing base to keep pace with rising demand. The future facility is also anticipated to generate direct employment and stimulate adjacent activities in storage, transport, and regional distribution.