Côte d’Ivoire : Export bans on food products over six months
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food Production, the Ministry of Finance and Budget, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry have issued a statement to suspend the export of food products until July.
« This decision aims to ensure a regular supply of food products to the local market to guarantee the food security of the population living in Côte d’Ivoire. Any violation of this provision is subject to sanctions as provided by law », the authorities stated.
This suspension comes at a time when the country is expected to experience a peak in food consumption, especially in urban areas with the influx of visitors for the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) taking place from January 13 to February 11.
According to local media, about twenty agricultural products and their derivatives are affected, particularly cereals (maize, rice, millet, sorghum, and fonio), tubers (cassava and yam), as well as fruits and vegetables (plantains and chili peppers).
It is worth noting that, as part of various measures to combat the high cost of living and ensure the regular supply of the national market, the government had already imposed a ban on the export of rice and sugar between September and December 2023.
While this export ban aims to prioritize the supply of the local market, some insiders believe it could potentially disadvantage Ivorians in the diaspora who come to the country to purchase certain products. Additionally, those involved in the trade of these food products are obliged to take leave due to such a decision.
