In brief
Abidjan officials said the country will focus on expanding local rubber processing to increase value, improve producer income and meet international standards. The plan highlights the need to renew plantations, enhance traceability, and widen participation by women and young people. Over 1.5 million Ivorians rely on rubber cultivation, and Côte d’Ivoire has supplied more than 85% of Africa’s natural rubber since 1990.
Abidjan, November 7 – Côte d’Ivoire’s government announced a plan to boost its natural rubber industry by expanding local processing, a move aimed at adding value, creating jobs and transforming agriculture into a key driver of the economy.
During the 50th anniversary of the Association of Natural Rubber Professionals of Côte d’Ivoire (APROMAC) on Nov. 5–6, Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagne Kone said the government’s goal was "to make our agriculture a driver of economic transformation, creating wealth and jobs."
“The government has set a clear goal: to make our agriculture a driver of economic transformation, creating wealth and jobs.”
Minister Kone outlined four priority tasks: expanding local processing, putting producers at the heart of the industry, preparing for renewal of plantations, and achieving sustainability.
He stressed improving the quality and traceability of rubber to meet tightening international market standards, and called for greater participation by women and young people in the sector.
African data shows Côte d’Ivoire has supplied more than 85 percent of the continent’s natural rubber output since 1990, and it now ranks as Africa’s largest producer by volume.
More than 1.5 million Ivorians depend on rubber cultivation for their livelihoods, so the ministry emphasised better remuneration for planters and fairer distribution of value across the supply chain.
The government urged stakeholders to comply with marketing regulations and price‑setting mechanisms to protect planters’ incomes.
