Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing Côte d’Ivoire’s natural rubber industry at the 2nd edition of the Côte d’Ivoire Natural Rubber Days, held on November 5 and 6 in Abidjan, alongside celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of APROMAC.

Côte d’Ivoire is Africa’s leading natural rubber producer and became the world's second-largest producer in 2025, behind Thailand. National production reached approximately 2 million tonnes in 2025, compared with 164,138 tonnes in 2005.

To consolidate this position, the Government has identified four priorities: expanding local processing, improving farmers’ incomes, modernizing plantations and strengthening the sustainability and traceability of production.

The ambition goes beyond increasing production. Côte d’Ivoire also wants to develop its industrial capacity by manufacturing higher-value products locally, including tyres, shoe soles and technical rubber components.

The sector currently supports approximately 180,000 smallholder farmers and represents a major source of employment and income in rural communities.

As APROMAC celebrates 50 years of activity, Côte d’Ivoire is looking to turn its strong production performance into greater industrial value, more competitive exports and sustainable economic opportunities.