AGP Executive Report

Cocoa Value Push: Côte d’Ivoire is moving to boost local cocoa processing as farmgate prices fall, with plans to raise installed capacity from 1.155 million tonnes to 1.344 million tonnes in 2026-2027, alongside calls for better seeds, mechanization and stronger plant health. Cocoa Price Floor: The country also kept the minimum guaranteed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg for 2026-2027. Cocoa Event in Abidjan: The 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days opened in Abidjan under the theme “Youth and the Cocoa Farming of the Future,” spotlighting processing, innovation and sustainability. Rural Connectivity: Côte d’Ivoire commissioned the first phase of its XOF 38 billion rural digital connectivity programme (PNCR), targeting 575 localities to expand public e-services. US Deportation List: The US published an updated deportation list naming 427 people from West Africa, including 15 from Côte d’Ivoire. Sports—Basketball: Côte d’Ivoire beat Egypt 72-66 in the African qualifiers, with David Gassaud scoring 16 off the bench to help the Elephants improve to 7-1.

Abidjan Skyline Ambition: Construction is set to continue on the 75-story Tour F in Abidjan, expected to be finished later this year, with the tower designed to become Africa’s tallest—an unmistakable signal of Côte d’Ivoire’s post-rebuilding drive. Water & Farming Partnerships: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded their Cargill Currents partnership into Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica and Türkiye, while ongoing work continues in Côte d’Ivoire—aiming to improve safe water access, repair systems, support farming water efficiency and restore watersheds. Rural Digital Push: Côte d’Ivoire has completed the first phase of its XOF 38 billion rural connectivity programme (PNCR), targeting 575 localities and commissioning new telecom sites in Korhogo to boost coverage and public e-services. Cocoa Living Income Pressure: Fairtrade Africa urged stronger coordination across the cocoa chain to close the living income gap, citing Côte d’Ivoire’s new Fairtrade living income reference price of 1,758 CFA francs/kg. Sports—Ivory Coast Basketball: Côte d’Ivoire beat Egypt 72-66 in the African qualifiers, with David Gassaud shining off the bench as the Elephants improved to 7-1. Trade—Tobacco Leaf: Côte d’Ivoire remains Africa’s top tobacco leaf importer, taking 19.20% of the continent’s imports in 2024.

Rural Connectivity Push: Côte d’Ivoire has kicked off the first phase of its National Rural Connectivity Programme (PNCR), with XOF 38 billion earmarked to link 575 rural localities and expand access to public e-services, as new telecom sites were commissioned in Djebakaha (Korhogo). US Deportation List Update: The United States released an updated list of 427 people from 16 West African countries facing deportation, including 15 from Côte d’Ivoire, with charges ranging from money laundering to robbery and identity theft. Cocoa Income Pressure: Fairtrade Africa urged stronger coordination across the cocoa chain to close the living income gap, citing new living income reference prices—1,758 CFA per kg in Côte d’Ivoire. Basketball Qualifiers Shock: Côte d’Ivoire’s campaign took a hit as Angola handed them their biggest loss in nearly a decade, 91-70, in the FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers. Sports Streaming Deal: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, bringing all 380 matches per season to fans.

Rural Connectivity Boost: Côte d’Ivoire has commissioned the first phase of its National Rural Connectivity Programme (PNCR), a XOF 38 billion push to link 575 rural localities and widen access to public e-services, starting with new telecom sites in Djebakaha (Korhogo). Cocoa Income Pressure: Fairtrade Africa is urging stronger coordination across the cocoa chain to close the “living income” gap, pointing to updated reference prices—1,758 CFA/kg for Côte d’Ivoire and GH¢45.40/kg for Ghana. Sports—Elephants’ Bounce Back: Côte d’Ivoire’s basketball team improved to 7–1 in the African qualifiers after a 72–66 win over Egypt, powered by bench spark David Gassaud. Deportation List Update: The US published an updated deportation list of 427 people from West Africa, including 15 from Côte d’Ivoire, with charges ranging from robbery to identity theft. Football Qualifiers Shock: Angola handed Côte d’Ivoire their biggest loss in nearly a decade, 91–70, in the World Cup African Qualifiers.

Deportation Watch: The US has published an updated deportation list of 427 people from 16 West African countries, with names, mugshots and linked charges—Nigeria leads (134), followed by Liberia (111) and Ghana (44). Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia each have 15 people on the list. Basketball—Ivory Coast Shock: In the FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, Angola handed Côte d’Ivoire their biggest defeat in nearly a decade, winning 91-70 and turning the Ivorians’ strong run into a setback. Basketball—Key Moment for Côte d’Ivoire: Earlier, Côte d’Ivoire edged Egypt 72-66 as David Gassaud’s bench spark helped the Elephants improve to 7-1 in the qualifiers. Sports—Ivory Coast in the Spotlight: Côte d’Ivoire also appears among new entrants for the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, with the event kicking off today and featuring a record number of countries. Culture—Abidjan Showcase: The 7th edition of Ivorian Traditional Fabric Days drew artisans and designers to Abidjan to push the traditional textile sector forward.

Sahel Security Shock: A mutiny in Niger hit Diori Hamani International Airport and Air Force Base 101, a key nerve centre for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and Russian Africa Corps coordination, raising fresh questions about the alliance’s stability. Ivory Coast Basketball Buzz: Côte d’Ivoire edged Egypt 72-66 as substitute David Gassaud powered the win with 16 points, helping the Elephants keep momentum in the African Qualifiers. AFCON Qualifiers Talk: Ghana’s Kurt Okraku says the “psychological block” is gone ahead of the September qualifier against Ivory Coast, pointing to lessons learned from past setbacks. Ivorian Sports Streaming: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2029, bringing all 380 matches per season to fans. Energy for Rural West Africa: New analysis says Côte d’Ivoire and other Francophone West African states could expand access via solar mini-grids as Africa targets record solar installations in 2026. Cocoa & Culture: The 7th edition of Ivorian Traditional Fabric Days in Abidjan showcased weaving and fashion links between heritage and modern products.

Basketball Qualifiers: Côte d’Ivoire kept momentum in the 2027 African Qualifiers, with David Gassaud coming off the bench to score 16 points and help the Elephants beat Egypt 72-66, as coach Miguel Ramos praised the team’s intensity and never-say-die spirit. World Cup Qualifiers Buzz: The race for the 2027 Qatar World Cup stays tight as Cameroon stretches a historic winning streak, while Côte d’Ivoire’s own unbeaten run remains a key talking point ahead of upcoming fixtures. Sports Media Deal: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for the next three seasons, bringing all 380 matches per year to fans in the region. Local Culture & Fashion: Abidjan hosted the 7th edition of Ivorian Traditional Fabric Days, bringing together weavers and designers to push the traditional textile sector into modern markets. Agriculture & Trade: West Africa is working to speed up regional seed movement, aiming to make cross-border sales easier even when rules are unevenly applied.

Basketball Qualifiers: Côte d’Ivoire’s David Gassaud came off the bench to score 16 points and help the Elephants beat Egypt 72-66, as coach Miguel Ramos praised the team’s collective intensity and heart. Football Media Rights: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for 2026/27 to 2028/29, bringing all 380 matches per season live and on-demand to fans in 48 markets. World Cup Qualifiers Watch: Cameroon’s winning streak reached seven straight after a 83-61 win over Tunisia, raising talk of the longest unbeaten run in African qualifiers—while Côte d’Ivoire’s own form sits at 7-1. Local Culture & Fashion: Abidjan hosted the 7th edition of Ivorian Traditional Fabric Days (Aug. 27-29), spotlighting artisans and the push to grow traditional textiles into modern products. Agriculture & Trade: West Africa is working to speed up regional seed movement, tackling uneven application of ECOWAS rules so farmers can access varieties across borders.

Ivorian Sports Spotlight: Côte d’Ivoire’s basketball team kept its momentum in the 2027 World Cup African Qualifiers, bouncing back with a strong win over Mali and moving closer to securing a spot, while the next Group F clashes set up a high-stakes battle featuring Côte d’Ivoire alongside Angola, Egypt, Senegal, Mali and DR Congo. Football Talk: Ghana’s Kurt Okraku says the Black Stars have shaken off the “psychological block” ahead of their AFCON 2027 qualifier against Ivory Coast, pointing to Ghana’s past collapse versus Mozambique in 2023 as a turning point that helped Côte d’Ivoire’s rise. Regional Cooperation: Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of National Cohesion, Belmonde Dogo, met Qatar’s international cooperation minister, Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, and also discussed ties with the African Development Bank Group president, Sidi Ould Tah. Security & Crime: INTERPOL’s “Operation Jackal IV” wrapped up with 58 arrests and 263 suspects identified across 22 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, targeting West African cyber fraud networks and linking the same criminal infrastructure to sextortion campaigns. Business & Energy: Analysis says Africa is on track for a record 2026 solar year, with Côte d’Ivoire named among countries where off-grid solar mini-grids could expand access.

Côte d’Ivoire–Qatar and AfDB diplomacy: Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met virtually with Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of National Cohesion, Solidarity and the Fight Against Poverty Belmonde Dogo, discussing ways to strengthen cooperation, and also met AfDB President Dr Sidi Ould Tah on collaboration between Qatar and the Bank. Traditional fashion spotlight: Abidjan hosted the 7th edition of Ivorian Traditional Fabric Days (Aug. 27–29), bringing together weavers, artisans and designers to push the traditional fabric sector from culture to modern products. Agriculture ties and know-how: Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly leadership continued work with Vietnam, studying high-tech rice and seafood processing models in Can Tho to deepen agricultural trade and cooperation. Coconut sector push: Côte d’Ivoire launched an interim coconut and oil palm replanting programme aiming for 100,000 hectares over the decade, with 2,000 ha planned for 2027 as production declines. Regional security and crime crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation Jackal IV wrapped up with 58 arrests and 263 identifications across 22 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, targeting West African cyber-enabled fraud networks and related exploitation. Sports—AFCON qualifiers build-up: Ghana’s Kurt Okraku said the Black Stars have overcome past “psychological blocks” ahead of their 2027 AFCON qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire.

AFCON Qualifiers (Ghana-Ivory Coast): Ghana’s Kurt Okraku says the “psychological block” that hurt the Black Stars in big games is gone, adding that Ghana will travel to Côte d’Ivoire “in full confidence” for their 2027 AFCON qualifier in Bouaké on 24 September. AFCON Qualifiers (Group C): Ghana and Ivory Coast are drawn with Somalia and The Gambia in Group C as both sides chase qualification. Diplomacy: Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr Maryam al-Misnad, held virtual talks with Côte d’Ivoire’s Belmonde Dogo and also met the AfDB Group president, focusing on cooperation and support. Parliamentary ties: Vietnam’s National Assembly leaders and Côte d’Ivoire’s Patrick Achi discussed deepening parliamentary and economic cooperation, including agricultural models studied in Can Tho. Agriculture (Coconut push): Côte d’Ivoire launched an interim coconut and oil palm replanting drive aiming for 100,000 hectares over the next decade to reverse declining production. Security (Regional crime crackdown): INTERPOL’s Operation Jackal IV, with Côte d’Ivoire among participating countries, ended with 58 arrests and 263 suspects identified across 22 countries, targeting cyber-enabled fraud networks.

Basketball Rivalry: Côte d’Ivoire bounced back in style after last year’s heartbreak, beating Mali 83-77 with a late surge and overtime revenge energy still fresh in Dakar. Diplomacy & Aid: Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr Maryam al-Misnad, held virtual talks with Côte d’Ivoire’s Belmonde Dogo and the AfDB president on boosting cooperation. Football Build-up: Ghana’s Kurt Okraku says the Black Stars have cleared their “psychological block” ahead of the Sept. 23 AFCON qualifier in Côte d’Ivoire. Regional Sports Schedule: FIBA confirmed Window 4 rosters, with Côte d’Ivoire in Group F alongside Angola, Egypt, Mali, Senegal and DR Congo. Security Crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation Jackal IV wrapped up with 58 arrests and 263 suspects identified across 22 countries, targeting West African cyber fraud networks linked to sextortion. Health Access: Telemedicine in Abidjan is easing pressure on hospitals through Umed eHealth Center video consultations. Agriculture Push: Côte d’Ivoire launched a coconut replanting drive aiming for 100,000 hectares over the decade to reverse falling output.

Telemedicine in Côte d’Ivoire: Umed eHealth Center is using video consultations to cut travel and waiting times for patients in Abidjan, starting with simpler cases like malaria tests and minor symptoms. Sports—African Qualifiers: Final rosters for Window 4 of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup were confirmed, with Côte d’Ivoire in Group F alongside Angola, Egypt, Mali, Senegal and DR Congo. Agriculture—Coconut push: Côte d’Ivoire has launched an interim coconut replanting plan aiming for 100,000 hectares over the next decade, with 2,000 ha targeted for 2027 as production drops from past levels. Cocoa integrity: A study flags weaknesses in cocoa farm sustainability audits in Côte d’Ivoire, suggesting record manipulation in some monitoring cases—an issue for EU-linked compliance. Global crime crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation Jackal IV reports 58 arrests and 263 suspects identified across 22 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, targeting cyber-enabled fraud networks. Business—Carbon farming award: Varaha won an ET Startup Awards 2026 Social Enterprise prize for linking smallholders to carbon markets using AI and satellite tracking across millions of acres.

INTERPOL Crackdown: Operation Jackal IV has wrapped up an eight-month push across 22 countries, arresting 58 suspects and identifying 263 more, targeting West African cyber-enabled fraud networks linked to Black Axe and now tied to sextortion of minors. Sports—Basketball: Côte d’Ivoire booked its place in the 2027 FIBA U19 World Cup after winning the FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026, joining a 16-team field set for Czechia. Sports—Qualifiers: Group F of the 2027 World Cup African Qualifiers is set to ignite in Dakar (Aug 27–30), with Côte d’Ivoire level on 11 points with Senegal and Mali, and Angola and Egypt close behind. Agriculture & Trade: Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire lawmakers are deepening parliamentary cooperation and studying rice and agro-processing models in Can Tho, as both sides look to expand practical trade links. Cocoa Integrity: A new study flags weaknesses in cocoa farm sustainability audits in Côte d’Ivoire, with record changes appearing in about one in four monitoring cases. Health Access: Côte d’Ivoire’s Umed eHealth Center is using telemedicine to cut travel and waiting times for routine care in Abidjan. Energy & Investment: CB&I won a three-year operations and maintenance contract for an offshore FPSO in Côte d’Ivoire, while CardinalStone reached a $76m first close for a fund investing across West Africa including Côte d’Ivoire.

Cybercrime Crackdown: INTERPOL’s “Operation Jackal IV” (Nov 2025–Jun 2026) netted 58 arrests and flagged 263 suspects across 22 countries, targeting West African organised crime behind romance scams, money laundering, investment fraud and sextortion. Coconut Replanting Drive: Côte d’Ivoire has launched an interim plan to revive its coconut sector, aiming for 100,000 hectares over 10 years, with 2,000 ha targeted for 2027 as production is estimated around 150,000 tonnes versus 480,000 in the 1980s-90s. Telemedicine in Abidjan: Umed eHealth Center is using video consultations to cut travel and waiting times for minor cases, easing pressure on hospitals in a city where congestion can delay care. Agriculture Diplomacy: Ivorian National Assembly President Patrick Achi met Vietnamese counterparts and studied high-tech rice and seafood processing in Can Tho, as both sides seek deeper trade and cooperation. Oil & Gas Contract: CB&I’s Asset Solutions won a three-year Côte d’Ivoire operations and maintenance deal for an offshore FPSO vessel, citing local supply-chain and workforce development. Cocoa Audit Concerns: A study says some cocoa farm sustainability audits in Côte d’Ivoire may have been manipulated, raising questions for claims tied to EU deforestation rules.

Crime Crackdown: INTERPOL’s “Operation Jackal IV” (Nov 2025–Jun 2026) has led to 58 arrests and the identification of 263 suspects across 22 countries, targeting West African organised crime networks behind cyber-enabled fraud, money laundering, romance and investment scams, and sextortion. Agriculture & Trade: Côte d’Ivoire is pushing an interim coconut replanting drive to restore output, aiming for 100,000 hectares over the next decade after production fell to about 150,000 tonnes; meanwhile, Ivorian and Vietnamese National Assembly leaders visited Can Tho’s high-tech rice and seafood processing sites to deepen agricultural cooperation. Health Access: Telemedicine is expanding in Abidjan via the Umed eHealth Center, helping patients get remote consultations and reducing long hospital waits. Business & Infrastructure: CB&I won a three-year operations and maintenance contract in Côte d’Ivoire for an offshore FPSO vessel, while Blue Cloud Softech signed a MoA with GCIB and Côte d’Ivoire’s Afro Mobile to develop telecom and digital infrastructure across Africa. Sports: CAF confirmed the 48-nation draw for the 2028 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Côte d’Ivoire among the expected favourites.