Côte d’Ivoire is planning to strengthen its natural rubber industry by expanding domestic processing, improving production quality and creating greater economic opportunities for farmers and local businesses.

The West African country wants to move beyond exporting raw agricultural commodities and develop a stronger domestic manufacturing sector capable of generating additional value, employment and investment.

Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné announced the government’s priorities during a ceremony in Abidjan marking the 50th anniversary of the Association of Natural Rubber Professionals of Côte d’Ivoire (APROMAC).

He said the government aims to transform agriculture into a major driver of economic development, wealth creation and employment.

Côte d’Ivoire Strengthens Its Position in Africa’s Rubber Industry

Côte d’Ivoire has become one of the world’s important natural rubber producers and has maintained its position as Africa’s largest producer since 1990.

According to the agriculture minister, the country accounts for more than 85 percent of Africa’s natural rubber production.

Rubber has also become Côte d’Ivoire’s largest agricultural export by volume, overtaking cocoa.

The industry plays an important role in the national economy, supporting farmers, traders, transport companies and industrial businesses.

More than 1.5 million people in the country depend on rubber cultivation for their livelihoods, making the sector particularly important for rural communities.

Government Prioritises Local Processing

One of the government’s main objectives is to increase the amount of natural rubber processed within the country.

Currently, exporting raw materials means that some of the potential economic value is generated outside Côte d’Ivoire.

By expanding local processing facilities, the government hopes to create more industrial opportunities and retain a larger share of revenue within the domestic economy.

Local processing can also generate employment in manufacturing, transportation, packaging and related industries.

The strategy is intended to strengthen connections between agricultural production and industrial development.

Farmers Remain at the Centre of Development

The government has also highlighted the importance of improving conditions for rubber producers.

Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné stressed that farmers should receive fairer compensation and benefit more directly from the industry’s economic growth.

He called for better compliance with marketing regulations and price-setting mechanisms to protect producers’ incomes.

Improving the distribution of value throughout the supply chain will be essential to ensuring that increased industrial activity benefits rural communities.

Four Priorities for the Future of the Industry

The government has identified four major priorities for developing the natural rubber sector:

• Expand domestic processing: Increase local industrial capacity and create additional value from natural rubber.
• Support producers: Improve farmers’ earnings and strengthen their position within the supply chain.
• Renew plantations: Prepare for the replacement and modernisation of ageing rubber plantations.
• Promote sustainability: Improve environmental practices and ensure long-term production.

These priorities are designed to make the industry more competitive while protecting the livelihoods of people who depend on rubber cultivation.

Quality and Sustainability Become Increasingly Important

International rubber markets are becoming more demanding, particularly regarding product quality, traceability and environmental standards.

Côte d’Ivoire wants to improve its production systems to meet these requirements and maintain access to international buyers.

Better traceability will help businesses demonstrate where rubber originates and how it is produced.

The government is also encouraging greater participation by young people and women in the industry’s development.

This approach could help attract new talent, improve agricultural practices and create additional opportunities in rural areas.

APROMAC Marks 50 Years of Industry Development

The announcement coincided with the 50th anniversary of APROMAC, which was celebrated alongside the second edition of Côte d’Ivoire Natural Rubber Days.

The events took place in Abidjan on November 5 and 6.

The anniversary provided an opportunity for industry representatives, producers and government officials to discuss the future of rubber production and the challenges facing the sector.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of cooperation between farmers, processors, exporters and policymakers.

Conclusion

Côte d’Ivoire’s plan to expand local rubber processing represents an important step towards strengthening its agricultural and industrial economy.

With more than 1.5 million people depending on rubber cultivation, the sector has considerable importance for employment and rural development.

By investing in domestic processing, supporting farmers, renewing plantations and improving sustainability, the government aims to create a more competitive and profitable rubber industry.

The success of this strategy will depend on investment in industrial facilities, fair prices for producers and the ability to meet international market requirements.