Côte d'Ivoire has unveiled a 1.077 trillion CFA francs ($1.8 billion) investment strategy aimed at transforming its palm oil industry into a major driver of economic growth, while also preparing an ambitious recovery plan for the coconut sector as part of efforts to increase value addition and strengthen the country's agricultural competitiveness.

The strategy, presented by Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné, seeks to modernize the palm oil value chain by boosting productivity, improving farmers' access to financing and expanding domestic processing capacity. The government aims to reduce exports of raw agricultural commodities in favor of higher-value processed products that can generate jobs, increase export earnings and support industrialization.

A key component of the plan focuses on renewing aging plantations with improved planting material to raise yields. Authorities said 40 certified nurseries have been approved for the 2026 planting season and have received 2 million germinated oil palm seeds to accelerate the production of high-quality seedlings for farmers.

Alongside the palm oil initiative, the government is preparing a comprehensive recovery program for the coconut industry. The plan includes rehabilitating old plantations, increasing productivity, strengthening support for growers and expanding local processing of coconut-based products, including edible oil, food products and cosmetics.

The twin initiatives form part of Côte d'Ivoire's broader strategy to diversify its agricultural economy, strengthen rural incomes and move up global value chains by processing more of its agricultural output domestically rather than exporting raw commodities.

As the world's leading cocoa producer and one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, Côte d'Ivoire is increasingly seeking to develop other strategic agricultural sectors to support industrial growth, create employment and enhance the resilience of its export-driven economy.