Italy brought more than 20 companies to Abidjan for an international food processing and packaging trade fair, seeking to expand commercial ties with Ivorian businesses and gain access to markets across West Africa.
The Italian delegation took part in the third edition of the International Food Processing, Poultry, Packaging, Plastics and Printing Fair, held from October 8 to 10 at the Abidjan Exhibition Park. The participation was coordinated by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), in collaboration with the Italian Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Association (UCIMA).
Eighteen companies travelled to Côte d’Ivoire with the ITA, while other Italian firms already operating in the country also took part, according to Italy’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan.
The companies showcased machinery and industrial technologies for food processing, packaging, plastics and printing, targeting local manufacturers seeking to modernise production and increase processing capacity.
“Italy has the expertise and technical capacity,” Italian Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Roberta Di Lecce said during the event, adding that Abidjan could serve as a gateway to markets across West Africa.
Italy is the world’s second-largest producer of packaging and processing machinery, with sector turnover of nearly 10.5 billion euros in 2025, around 80% of which came from exports, according to Italy’s foreign ministry.
The trade fair provided an opportunity for Italian companies to meet potential customers and explore partnerships with businesses in Côte d’Ivoire and the wider region. Some firms are also considering establishing a more permanent presence in the country.
Carmelo Manta, a sales inspector at Italian beverage-packaging machinery manufacturer GAI, said the company aimed to expand its customer base around Abidjan and was considering setting up a local office.
The Italian initiative comes as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to increase the amount of agricultural output processed domestically, including cocoa and cashew nuts, rather than exporting raw materials. Expanding local processing requires investment in machinery, packaging systems and technologies that can improve production efficiency and product quality.
Ivorian Trade, Industry and Crafts Minister Ibrahim Kalil Konaté urged businesses to seize investment opportunities and strengthen local industrial capacity. The government has identified domestic processing as a priority for creating more value within the economy and reducing dependence on imported products.
The fair brought together more than 150 exhibitors from 25 countries, with professional meetings and business-to-business exchanges held over three days.
Whether the Italian companies’ participation leads to new contracts, investments or local partnerships will depend on the commercial agreements reached after the event.