As Yamoussoukro hosts the 2026 National Cotton, Cashew, and Shea Producer Days (JNPCA), David Alliali, Commercial Director at AGL Côte d’Ivoire, sits down to discuss the company’s pivotal role in supporting local agriculture. In this interview, he explores how AGL’s end-to-end logistics solutions, digital tools, and financial backing are empowering producers and positioning the company as a champion for a more competitive, sustainable Ivorian agricultural sector.

What makes AGL Côte d’Ivoire’s involvement in the JNPCA so strategic for the agriculture sector?

Our presence at the JNPCA underscores AGL Côte d’Ivoire’s unwavering commitment to the country's key agricultural sectors. This event is a unique opportunity to connect with producers and industry leaders to discuss how we can make our value chains more professional and resilient.

At AGL, we see ourselves as more than a logistics firm; we are a partner in growth. Instead of simply providing services, we focus on listening to the industry's needs and building solutions together. Ultimately, we believe that superior logistics is the engine that drives higher earnings for farmers, fuels local manufacturing, and gives Côte d’Ivoire a competitive edge on the world stage.

What specific logistics solutions does AGL provide to the cotton and cashew industries?

AGL delivers a tailored, end-to-end logistics solution for the cotton and cashew industries, covering the full chain from harvest to export markets.

The model is built on a multimodal network combining road transport, secure storage, packaging and container loading with port operations and full customs clearance. Operational coordination between Abidjan Terminal and Côte d’Ivoire Terminal ensures smooth port handling, while dedicated weekly berthing windows shorten transit times to Asia and Europe and improve scheduling reliability. The result is lower logistics costs, a more secure supply chain, and stronger global competitiveness for Ivorian exports.

Proximity to production areas is vital for efficient agricultural logistics. How is AGL addressing this?

Operational proximity sits at the core of AGL Côte d’Ivoire’s logistics model. Efficiency starts close to the source, near farmers and processing facilities, which is why the company operates a regional network of logistics hubs in Abidjan, San Pedro, Bouaké and Ferkessédougou.

This footprint enables rapid response, local adaptability and reduced supply chain disruption. AGL manages more than 1 million square feet, about 100,000 square metres, of dedicated warehousing for cotton and cashews, including specialised facilities for storage, drying and cargo preparation. In 2024 and 2025, its teams handled more than 141,000 tonnes of cotton and nearly 93,000 tonnes of cashew nuts. These volumes reflect AGL’s ability to support sector growth while meeting strict requirements for quality, security and delivery timelines.

How does AGL use logistics to contribute to the sustainable development of Ivorian agriculture?

Through its integrated logistics solutions, AGL Côte d’Ivoire supports the sustainable development and structural transformation of the country’s agricultural sector. By working closely with farmers, processors and exporters, the company contributes to local value creation and strengthens national export capacity.

AGL holds ISO 9001, 45001 and 14001 certifications, as well as TAPA security accreditation, reflecting its commitment to quality, workplace safety and environmental protection. Beyond infrastructure and operational performance, the group positions logistics as a lever for the industrial development of the cotton and cashew sectors. Its strategy focuses on moving products up the value chain and supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s long-term integration into global markets. In this context, logistics plays a central role in improving competitiveness, supporting inclusive growth and underpinning sustainable economic development.

How does Collateral Management serve as a key differentiator for producers and industrial players? 

Collateral Management is a high-value service that sets AGL Côte d’Ivoire apart in the logistics market. This strategic mechanism allows exporters and manufacturers to store their inventory in our certified, secure facilities, while using those goods as collateral to secure bank financing.

This setup significantly improves access to capital, giving operators the ability to boost liquidity without relinquishing ownership of their products. It provides flexibility for our clients and peace of mind for their banking partners. By supporting the cash flow of cotton and cashew stakeholders, Collateral Management directly fuels operational continuity, industrial growth, and the formalization of local entrepreneurship. AGL is moving beyond traditional logistics to play a vital role in the financial security and industrialization of Ivorian agriculture. Furthermore, we are working with partners to develop various pre-financing solutions, which we look forward to unveiling soon.

How do digital innovation and customer experience fit into AGL’s overall approach? 

AGL Côte d’Ivoire is accelerating its digital transformation to make agricultural logistics more efficient and transparent. For clients, this translates into real-time access to operational data. The company offers a range of tools, including automated reporting dashboards, GPS-based cargo tracking and a dedicated application for pallet management.

These solutions improve traceability and operational efficiency by helping partners identify bottlenecks early and maintain smooth supply chain flows. They are supported by a 24-hour customer service desk, ensuring immediate issue resolution. By prioritising customer experience, AGL reinforces service reliability and demonstrates a long-term commitment to its partners’ performance.