On Monday, February 9, 2026, a major agricultural equipment handover ceremony was held at the ADERIZ Seed Processing Center in Yamoussoukro. The event marked a significant step toward strengthening mechanized services in Côte d’Ivoire’s rice sector.

This strategic support, provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Government of Côte d’Ivoire through ADERIZ, is part of the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) initiative, which aims to double rice production in Africa by 2030.

A total of 12 large tractors with accessories, 25 medium-sized tractors, 23 power tillers, 15 combine harvesters, and one service truck were officially handed over to the Director of Rural Development, Mr. N’Guessan Koffi Rodrigue, representing the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Crop Production.

With a total value of approximately CFA 3 billion, the donation reflects JICA’s commitment to supporting agricultural transformation. JICA Resident Representative Mr. Wakabayashi Motoharu emphasized that mechanization will help address persistent challenges in the rice sector, including increasing yields, reducing labor intensity, and minimizing post-harvest losses.

The Director General of Rice Production at the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Kassoum Karamoko, and the Director General of ADERIZ, Mr. Yacouba Dembélé, expressed their gratitude to JICA for the support. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Côte d’Ivoire’s food sovereignty through the efficient use of the equipment, particularly under the SMEAs (Small and Medium Agricultural Enterprises) model.

Through this contribution, JICA takes another step toward promoting a modern, competitive rice sector that creates opportunities for rural communities.