Africa Agri Forum 2026: Bruno Koné sets out five priorities to strengthen Ivorian agriculture

In Abidjan-Plateau on November 4, 2026, Agriculture Minister Bruno Koné outlined five priorities to strengthen Ivorian agriculture at the 12th Africa Agri Forum, held over two days under the theme of African food sovereignty. He urged African countries to produce more of what they consume, add value to local output and reduce reliance on imports, emphasizing water management and irrigation. In Côte d’Ivoire, agriculture supports one worker in two, contributes 17% of GDP and accounts for 40% of export revenue. Agricultural production totals 32 million tonnes, including 25 million tonnes of food crops, but imports of rice, fish, meat and maize remain substantial despite a 9% production increase from 2024 to 2025.