Japan : investment of XOF 3.5 billion in rice production in Côte d’Ivoire

Japan will invest XOF 3.5 billion (EUR 5.3 million) in rice production in Côte d’Ivoire to reduce import dependency. Despite being a major consumer, Côte d’Ivoire produces only 800,000 tons against an annual demand of 2.3 million tons. The Japanese investment aims to increase rice production by 50% by 2025, cutting import costs and boosting agricultural employment. The agreement was signed on January 24, 2024, in Abidjan between the Ivorian Minister of Finance and the Deputy Resident Representative of JICA.