⏱ 1 min 30 read
Background
Geopolitical tensions, protectionism and supply chain disruptions are hitting developing countries. The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, promotes the concept of “re-globalisation”. Côte d'Ivoire is the world's leading producer of cocoa and cashew nuts.
The key points
On Thursday 29 October 2026, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara spoke at WTO headquarters in Geneva during the Presidential Lectures, Abidjan.net reports. He called for a more inclusive globalisation.
His country wants to move from exporting raw commodities to becoming an industrial processor. Local processing of cocoa reached 41% in the 2024-2025 season. For cashew, 43% processed in 2025, the target is at least 80% by 2030.
This approach is to be extended to gold, oil, gas, rubber, manganese and nickel. The President is also counting on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Key figures
- 41 % : share of cocoa processed locally in 2024-2025
- 43 % : share of cashew processed locally in 2025
- 80 % : cashew processing target for 2030
- More than 70% : private sector share of investment expected under the 2026-2030 national plan
- Around 7% : Côte d'Ivoire's average growth between 2012 and 2025
What it means for businesses
- Commodity traders : Côte d'Ivoire wants to process more cocoa and cashew locally.
- Private investors : more than 70% of the national plan's investment is to come from the private sector.
Who says what
- Alassane Ouattara (President of Côte d'Ivoire): trade must be steered towards “the structural transformation of our economies”.
Further reading
Sources
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