Côte d'Ivoire has taken another step in its strategy to strengthen local rice production , a staple food for the population. Meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 , the Council of Ministers ratified a financing agreement concluded with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for the implementation of the Rice Value Chain Development Project (PDCVR) .

A total of €104.2 million , or approximately 68.35 billion CFA francs , will be mobilized to sustainably transform the Ivorian rice sector. This investment aims to significantly reduce the country's dependence on imports, while strengthening domestic production and the competitiveness of local producers.

According to the government, this structuring program will allow intervention across the entire rice value chain, from production to marketing. Several actions are planned, including the development of irrigated agricultural sites, the production of improved seeds, the provision of farm equipment, the processing of paddy rice, and the marketing of milled rice .

The project also includes an important component dedicated to strengthening agricultural research and innovation capacities , in order to improve yields and adapt production to climatic and economic challenges.

According to government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly , this initiative is part of the food sovereignty policy undertaken by the Ivorian state. "This project aims to significantly reduce the importation of this staple food," he declared after the Council of Ministers meeting.

Rice consumption remains very high in Côte d'Ivoire, where it is a staple food. Despite progress in local production in recent years, the country continues to import a significant portion of its needs, which puts a strain on the trade balance.

With this new funding, the authorities intend to modernize the rice sector, improve producers' incomes and strengthen national food security .

This project should also create new economic opportunities in rural areas, particularly for young people and women involved in agricultural production and processing.