The European Union and Côte d’Ivoire have agreed to align their agricultural cooperation with the country’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030, with a particular focus on boosting value chains such as cashew, tomatoes and mangoes, officials said on Wednesday.

The announcement followed a meeting in Abidjan between Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné and the European Union’s ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Irchad Ramiandrasoa Razaaly, where both sides discussed ongoing and future projects aimed at transforming the sector.

The West African nation, one of the world’s leading producers of raw cashew nuts, has been seeking to increase local processing capacity and move up the value chain, in line with broader economic diversification goals outlined in the PND. Strengthening agro-processing and improving productivity in key crops remain central to the government’s strategy to create jobs and reduce reliance on raw commodity exports.

Talks also covered cooperation in other agricultural segments, including tomato and mango production, sectors seen as having strong potential for domestic consumption and export growth.

Koné welcomed the European Union’s continued support, describing it as key to advancing Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to modernize its agricultural sector and ensure sustainable development.

The European Union has been a long-standing partner in the country’s rural development programmes, supporting initiatives ranging from infrastructure to value chain development, as Abidjan seeks to position agriculture as a driver of inclusive growth.