• Côte d'Ivoire increased fresh fish import volumes from about 388,000 tons in 2015 to more than 732,000 tons in 2024, a rise of nearly 90%.
• The country doubled its import bill from CFA229 billion ($411.7 million) to more than CFA518 billion over the period.
• Chile overtook China as Ivory Coast’s top supplier in 2024, with CFA88 billion in sales.

In Côte d'Ivoire, as in other West African countries, fish serves as the main source of protein. Consumers in the West African Economic and Monetary Union’s largest economy consume 25 kilograms per capita, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This level falls slightly below Senegal’s 29 kilograms per capita. However, it stands at nearly double the African average of 10 kilograms and exceeds the global average of 20.5 kilograms.

Over the past decade, rising population levels and higher incomes have increased local demand for fresh fish. Urbanization has reshaped diets and shifted consumer preferences. Although production has grown since 2014, artisanal fishing, which accounts for 75% of total catches, has failed to meet expanding demand. At the same time, the aquaculture sector remains underdeveloped despite significant potential.

As a result, fresh fish imports have surged, driven largely by demand from urban centers, particularly Abidjan. Import volumes rose from about 388,000 tons in 2015 to more than 732,000 tons in 2024. This increase represents growth of nearly 90%. Meanwhile, the total import bill more than doubled. Import values climbed from CFA229 billion, or about $411.7 million, to more than CFA518 billion over the same period.

This surge has primarily benefited Chile, which overtook China as Ivory Coast’s leading fresh fish supplier. Chile recorded CFA88 billion in sales in 2024, while China generated CFA2.6 billion CFA francs in exports to the country. Peru ranked third with CFA60.9 billion in sales, closely followed by Senegal with CFA60.6 billion. Mauritania completed the top five suppliers with CFA52.8 billion in exports.

Espoir Olodo