Bernard Kini Comoé, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Crops, in charge of food crop production, has launched a series of innovative reforms aimed at improving the commercialization of staple food products. He also announced the construction of three wholesale markets across Côte d’Ivoire.

The announcement was made during a national workshop held from May 28 to 30, 2026, in Grand-Bassam.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders in the sector to validate regulatory texts governing wholesale markets and to strengthen the supply and distribution of food products. The three planned wholesale markets will be located in Abengourou, Abidjan, and Daloa, as part of the National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030.

The initiative aims to build more efficient market systems that benefit both producers and consumers, while strengthening the country’s food system resilience and modernizing the distribution of staple goods.

The proposed regulations introduce several key innovations, including professional management of market infrastructure, the establishment of specialized committees (covering hygiene, discipline, and traceability), and the integration of relay markets to improve supply chain efficiency.

Currently, challenges in storage, transportation, and commercialization continue to hinder the agricultural sector, leading to significant post-harvest losses and price instability. To address these issues, authorities are working to establish Markets of National Interest (MIN), designed to better organize distribution channels, reduce intermediaries, and ensure product quality.

Praising the inclusive approach based on nationwide consultations, Bernard Kini Comoé emphasized the need for a strong regulatory framework to support ongoing investments. He noted that the reform aligns with the vision of President Alassane Ouattara to strengthen food sovereignty and position agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.

The reform is led by Bernard Kini Comoé with the support of Ibrahim Khalil Konaté, Minister of Trade, Industry and Handicrafts.