Wednesday, December 3, 2025, marked a strategic turning point for Côte d'Ivoire. Already a major player in West Africa with a ginger production of 7,000 tons in 2023 , the country unveiled its ambitious development plan for the ginger and turmeric sectors. The occasion was the very first Ginger and Turmeric Fair , held at the FIRCA headquarters in Cocody, which brought together key government figures, producers, processors, and technical partners.

Now considered strategic for the rural economy , this sector is at the heart of a national project to professionalize and strengthen competitiveness. A representative from the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that the objective is clear: "to professionalize the sector and strengthen Côte d'Ivoire's competitiveness on the global ginger market."

🔍 Challenges to Overcome for a Sustainable Sector

Despite its potential, the Ivorian sector faces significant structural weaknesses :

1. Weak Organization: Only 20% of the 1,270 identified producers belong to a professional organization.
2. Price Volatility: The price per kilogram is extremely variable, fluctuating between 350 and 1,500 FCFA depending on the season and variety, signaling an urgent need for regulation.

According to Traoré Assita , Deputy Executive Director of FIRCA, the three main obstacles are the complete structuring of the value chain , the valuation of derivative products and access to suitable financing .

🚀 OIA Roadmap and Ambitions

The strategic plan, presented by Kouassi Kra Justin , treasurer general of the OIA (Interprofessional Agricultural Organization), sets a decidedly ambitious course. It is structured around key initiatives to modernize production and trade:

Strategic Axis	Lighthouse Initiative	Objective
Organization	Creation of regional training centers.	Improve production techniques and quality.
Valuation	Establishment of a "Ginger Ivory Coast" label.	To certify and distinguish the Ivorian product.
Trade	Promoting local processing and access to markets.	Strengthen regional and international competitiveness.

"These initiatives will help to organize the sector and improve its competitiveness, while promoting access to new markets," Mr. Kouassi stated.

🌐 Competition and Future Prospects

Facing competition from African (Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali) and global (China, Netherlands, Brazil) powerhouses, Côte d'Ivoire must consolidate its position. Ginger benefits from growing global demand in various sectors: food, medicine, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements.

Turmeric , meanwhile, is identified as a promising growth driver, still largely under-exploited, but ideal for diversifying production towards high-end products .

Kouamé Koffi , president of the OIA Ginger, concluded that the trade fair is a "unique opportunity to discuss challenges, identify concrete solutions, and build lasting partnerships." The government, through Dr. Aka , representing the Minister of Agriculture, reaffirmed its commitment: "The State remains fully mobilized to build a modern, competitive, and sustainable sector."

Key Points of Rewriting:

1. Dynamic Title and Introduction: Use of emojis and more impactful wording.
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