Côte d'Ivoire is seeking to strengthen international partnerships to accelerate the modernization of its agricultural sector, with mechanization and food crop production emerging as key areas of cooperation.

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Crops Bruno Nabagné Koné met on Friday in Kouto with a delegation of Belarusian investors led by Konaté Arouma, Chief Executive Officer of the Ivorian agricultural cooperative COOP-CA VICA, to discuss investment opportunities aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.

During the meeting, the Belarusian delegation expressed its interest in supporting Côte d'Ivoire's food crop sector through the production of onions, maize and potatoes, while also exploring cooperation in agricultural training and the local manufacturing of farm equipment, including tractors.

The discussions come as Côte d'Ivoire intensifies efforts to modernize its agricultural sector and reduce reliance on traditional farming methods by expanding access to mechanization and improving domestic food production.

Koné said the government's agricultural strategy is built around five key priorities: achieving food sovereignty, improving the competitiveness of agricultural value chains, expanding access to agricultural finance, strengthening rural land security and promoting sustainable farming systems.

According to the minister, deeper international cooperation will play a critical role in supporting the structural transformation of the agricultural sector, helping build a more productive, resilient and competitive farming industry while contributing to the country's long-term food security objectives.

Agriculture remains one of the pillars of Côte d'Ivoire's economy, and the government has identified mechanization, technology transfer and strategic partnerships as essential drivers of higher productivity and sustainable rural development under its National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030.