• Government seeks to strengthen export council after steady trade growth

• New border facilities and support tools planned to ease exports

• Strategy aims to boost value-added products and diversify the economy

Côte d’Ivoire plans to strengthen the role of its National Export Council (CNE) following a review of export performance that showed sustained growth. The move was discussed during the council’s 8th plenary meeting held on April 20 in Abidjan.

Created twelve years ago, the CNE is an advisory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Handicrafts. It has gradually become a key player in foreign trade, with recognized expertise in structuring value chains and improving competitiveness. To expand its role, the government plans to build and equip specialized storage facilities at land borders to ease trade flows.

#Économie | Commerce extérieur : la Côte d'Ivoire a maintenu une valeur d'exportation globale qui a dépassé 14 milliards de dollars en 2023

Abidjan, le 20 avril 2026- La Côte d'Ivoire a maintenu un taux de croissance annuel des exportations de l'ordre de 06,3% sur les cinq… pic.twitter.com/G95FuXghoc

— Gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire (@Gouvciofficiel) April 20, 2026

In the medium term, priorities include developing agro-industrial zones, promoting local processing, and advancing the National Foreign Trade Policy (PNCE). Authorities also plan to increase the council’s involvement in structuring new export sectors, particularly those linked to emerging products.

Strong performance driven by key exports

Ivorian exports have grown at an average annual rate of 6.3% over the past five years, according to Olivier Daipo, deputy chief of staff at the Ministry of Commerce. Export revenues exceeded $14 billion in 2023, up 5.2% from the previous year.

The country continues to play a leading economic role in the region, driven by major export products such as cocoa and its derivatives, refined petroleum products, crude gold, and natural rubber. Together, these sectors accounted for 70.1% of total exports in 2023.

This performance reflects the government’s broader strategy to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on raw commodity exports in favor of higher value-added products. Between 2020 and 2024, exports rose by 72.4%, helping strengthen trade resilience despite a deficit recorded in 2022.

Growth has been supported in part by increased local processing of cocoa, which has offset lower export volumes. According to Coface for Trade, export growth should remain strong, driven by agriculture—especially cocoa—as well as the extractive industries. After two weak seasons due to weather and disease, cocoa production is expected to rebound by 5.3% to reach 1.7 million tons.

Strengthening export support tools

Authorities also plan to accelerate the rollout of export support systems, including a guidance platform with a call center, directory, and digital services. The creation of specialized border facilities is expected to further improve trade efficiency.

The government wants the CNE to take on a broader role. “The CNE carries a key vision: to become a true platform for expertise and support for Ivorian exports,” Daipo said, emphasizing the need to make the institution more effective, agile, and influential.

Carelle Yourann (intern)