Ivory Coast / Ban on alcoholic energy drinks: economic impact and questions about real motives
The ban on the import and sale of alcoholic energy drinks in Côte d’Ivoire has had a significant impact on merchants who already had considerable stocks of these products. Without adequate support measures, many small retailers find themselves in a precarious economic situation, stuck with goods they can no longer sell. This decision, justified by the alleged association of these drinks with tramadol consumption, seems unfounded, as the real progress expected from this ban is questionable.
The circular announcing the ban is based on the idea that alcoholic energy drinks, when mixed with tramadol, pose a major problem. However, this logic is circumvented by young people who find other ways to mix tramadol with energy drinks and alcohol. This phenomenon suggests that the measure does not address the underlying issue but merely shifts the problem without genuinely resolving it.
The ban might be motivated by reasons of unfair competition, with companies holding specific interests exerting pressure on the authorities. This hypothesis is reinforced by the lack of clear justification and the immediate difficulties faced by merchants, who appear to be the victims of a decision made without a thorough assessment of its economic consequences.
Ivorian authorities should reconsider this ban and implement balanced measures that protect consumer interests without disproportionately harming merchants. A more thoughtful approach could include strategies to regulate tramadol sales while supporting merchants affected by regulatory changes.
