Côte d’Ivoire’s coffee and cocoa sector is showing early signs of recovery after months of market strain, as government officials and industry players met in Abidjan to chart a way forward following a sharp drop in global cocoa prices. The government has maintained a farmgate price of 1,200 CFA francs per kilogram despite difficult market conditions, a decision backed by President Alassane Ouattara and described by officials as critical to protecting farmer incomes.
Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné said the crisis reflects global market imbalances rather than local issues, noting that all cocoa-producing countries have been affected by falling prices. To support farmers through the downturn, authorities have mobilised over 231 billion CFA francs in additional support to stabilise the sector and sustain livelihoods.
The global cocoa market has experienced significant volatility, with prices falling from record highs above $12,000 per tonne in late 2024 to approximately $2,950 per tonne currently. This collapse left Ivorian beans uncompetitive at the previous farmgate price of 2,800 CFA francs per kilogram, leading the government to reduce the mid-crop price to 1,200 CFA francs while maintaining a subsidy to bridge the gap between the guaranteed price and market realities.
For Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, cocoa remains the dominant export earner and a source of livelihoods for millions of rural households. The government’s decision to maintain the farmgate price despite falling global markets represents a significant fiscal commitment, requiring substantial subsidy expenditure to protect farmer incomes and prevent rural distress.
The sector’s recovery will depend on multiple factors, including global demand trends, weather conditions affecting production, and the effectiveness of government support programmes. The meeting in Abidjan brought together stakeholders to focus on stabilising prices, managing excess stock, and preparing for the next farming season, signalling a coordinated approach to navigating the current market challenges.
