FOMCI 2025: Businesses Urged to Prioritize Competitiveness and Innovation in Production and Marketing
In an increasingly globalized world where commercial success depends on resilience against competition, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Souleymane Diarrassouba, has encouraged producers, processors, traders, and consumers to consider competitiveness and innovation in their production and marketing processes.
He made this statement on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Abidjan-Port-Bouët Exhibition Park during the opening of the third edition of the Made in Côte d'Ivoire Fair, known as "FOMCI 2025," under the theme "Focus on Competitiveness and Innovation." The event was attended by distinguished personalities, including the patron of the event, the President of the National Assembly, Adama Bictogo.
The Minister emphasized that FOMCI provides a unique opportunity to promote "Made in Côte d'Ivoire" products. He pointed out that local products play a crucial role in the national economy, as their manufacturing creates jobs, supports SMEs, and contributes to local economic growth.
Souleymane Diarrassouba stressed the need to change consumption habits in favor of local products, a major challenge in a country with a population of 31.2 million in 2023, where the middle class represents 30% of the total population.
Regarding the country’s industrialization, he highlighted that several measures have been implemented to encourage the processing of key local industries, including cocoa, cashew, and rubber. In 2024, Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa processing capacity reached 46.15%, cashew processing stood at 36.5%, and rubber processing at 96%.
Furthermore, the government, he added, is putting in place mechanisms to promote investment in cereal and legume production and processing, ensuring food sovereignty. Efforts are also underway to develop e-commerce, protect consumers, and modernize commercial and transport infrastructure.
For his part, the President of the National Assembly, Adama Bictogo, praised this initiative, which promotes national entrepreneurs and enhances domestic and regional markets. He recalled various initiatives undertaken to ensure self-sufficiency in rice, livestock, and fisheries, among others. To support FOMCI 2025, he announced funding of 5 million FCFA each for the three winners of the startup competition organized as part of the event.
According to the event's General Commissioner, Aimé Kablan Koizan, FOMCI 2025 is structured as a segmented hypermarket with about 100 stands, including two dedicated to automobile assembly in Côte d'Ivoire, along with 160 exhibitors and around 20 featured industries.
It is worth noting that this edition, which runs until April 6, will feature three key panel discussions on collaborative innovation, competitiveness drivers, and standards and certification.
