Mauritania – Côte d’Ivoire: Strategic Agreement Signed for Livestock Exports Ahead of Tabaski 2026

Mauritania and Côte d’Ivoire signed a cooperation protocol in the livestock sector on Wednesday in Nouakchott, paving the way for a structured framework for the export of Mauritanian livestock to the Ivorian market, particularly in preparation for Eid al-Adha 2026.

The agreement was signed by Sid’Ahmed Ould Mohamed, Mauritania’s Minister of Livestock, and Sidi Tiemoko Touré, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources. The deal aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation by expanding exports of sheep and goats to meet the strong demand in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly during the Tabaski celebration.

Beyond supply, the protocol provides for close coordination in animal health management, the harmonization of veterinary certificates, the organization of transport and financing mechanisms, and the promotion of investment in meat processing and the valorization of animal products.

The agreement comes as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to secure its livestock imports amid regional tensions that could disrupt the traditional supply from Sahelian countries. Earlier in February, Minister Sidi Tiemoko Touré had already held discussions with the Mauritanian ambassador in Abidjan to anticipate the country’s needs for Tabaski 2026, receiving a preliminary agreement from Mauritanian authorities.

Both sides emphasized that this initiative reflects the commitment of the two heads of state Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and Alassane Ouattara to strengthen relations between their countries and promote regional economic integration.

For Mauritania, already a major livestock supplier to several West African countries, the agreement further confirms its strategic position in the regional market. For Côte d’Ivoire, it represents an additional guarantee to ensure the availability of Tabaski sheep for households at a time of high demand and volatility in supply channels.