SARA 2025: Over 400 billion CFA Francs in Investment Commitments

The International Exhibition of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Abidjan (SARA), held at the Port-Bouët Exhibition Park, continues to improve with each edition—much like fine wine. The 7th edition, which took place over ten days from May 23 to June 1, 2025, welcomed 414,730 visitors, compared to 400,000 in 2023.

The event featured 105 conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural collaborations. This key agricultural forum hosted 915 exhibitors, surpassing the 862 recorded in 2023.

During the scientific closing ceremony held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Abidjan Exhibition Park, Nouhoun Coulibaly, Chief of Staff to the Minister of State for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food Crops, presented a comprehensive summary of the event. The ceremony was presided over by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé.

Significant Financial Mobilization

This year’s edition of SARA mobilized significant financial resources, totaling over 400 billion CFA francs (approx. $660 million USD) through signed contracts, agreements, and investment intentions. A notable achievement of the event was the signing of a cooperation agreement with China, the guest country of honor. China pledged its support for Ivory Coast’s agricultural mechanization, and its contributions, along with those of other international delegations, were widely praised.

A Key Platform for Global Agricultural Exchange

SARA 2025 affirmed its role as a major platform in the agricultural sector, with 915 exhibiting companies, highlighting its growing relevance. Despite being traditionally organized at the beginning of the year, the fair continues to attract wide participation, according to Nouhoun Coulibaly.

Though this year’s event was held in the final quarter, it still achieved strong international representation. 32 countries participated in 2025, up from 29 in 2023, reinforcing SARA’s status among top-tier global agricultural expos, such as the Paris International Agricultural Show (SIA).

Diverse Participation and Global Outreach

The event drew a diverse international audience: 64% of participants came from Africa, 26% from Europe, and 10% from Asia. Its focus on scientific content and agricultural innovation was evident through the various workshops and product showcases, especially those supported by Chinese investments.

Participants included 60% professionals, 25% students, and 15% other visitors, underlining the increasingly professional character of the forum.

Milestones and Future Prospects

Two historic milestones marked this 7th edition:

• The 50th anniversary celebration of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States)
• The launch of the Abidjan Agricultural Commodity Exchange

Looking ahead, the organizers of SARA are already preparing for the 8th edition, aiming to deliver an even more engaging and globally integrated event.