Côte d'Ivoire is positioning maize production as a strategic pillar of its food sovereignty by developing an integrated value chain capable of supplying the country's livestock and aquaculture sectors, Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Crops Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné said during a visit to an aquaculture farm in Djamené, in the San Pedro region.

During his visit to Fishivoire, an intensive fish farming company co-founded by Gnamien, the minister said expanding maize production is essential to reducing the country's dependence on imported feed for livestock and fish farming.

"Our ambition is to produce more maize to meet the needs of our livestock and aquaculture sectors. Every ton of maize produced is another step toward our food sovereignty," Koné said.

The government aims to promote a more integrated agricultural model in which domestic maize production supports animal husbandry and aquaculture, strengthening the resilience of Côte d'Ivoire's food system.

Fishivoire plans to produce 50 metric tons of fish in the short term before increasing output to between 100 and 150 metric tons to sustainably supply the markets of San Pedro, Grand-Béréby, and Soubré.

According to the minister, the availability of suitable fish feed remains one of the sector's biggest challenges. His ministry is therefore exploring ways to support the local production of fish feed using maize grown in Côte d'Ivoire.

The initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen domestic agricultural production, reduce reliance on imported inputs, and enhance food security by creating stronger links between the country's crop, livestock, and aquaculture sectors.