Côte d’Ivoire has granted an operating permit to a private company for the development of a mineral water production facility in Samo, in the commune of Bonoua, in a project valued at more than 23 billion CFA francs ($38 million) over five years, authorities said.

The permit was awarded to SABA Ivoire SA following approval by the government, as the West African nation continues efforts to attract industrial investment and expand its agro-industrial sector.

According to official information released after the Council of Ministers meeting, the project involves the exploitation, production and commercialization of packaged mineral water from a drilling site located in Samo.

The investment, estimated at 23.6 billion CFA francs, is expected to contribute to local economic development through industrial activity and job creation in the region.

The project is part of Côte d’Ivoire’s broader strategy to strengthen industrial transformation and encourage private-sector investment in manufacturing and consumer goods production.

SABA Ivoire SA had previously initiated studies and financing arrangements linked to the project, including cooperation with the Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD), according to regional development documents.

Côte d’Ivoire, one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies in recent years, has been seeking to diversify its industrial base and increase domestic processing capacity across several sectors, including food and beverage production.