Côte d’Ivoire has launched a national Agricultural Commodities Exchange (BMPA), establishing a formal platform where farmers and investors—both domestic and international—can negotiate prices for key agricultural products.
The BMPA, developed with technical support from the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM), debuted on Wednesday with a focus on cashew nuts, kola nuts, and corn. The platform aims to serve as a pricing reference point for commercial contracts and enhance transparency in agricultural trade.
Officials say the initiative is designed to attract greater investment and improve financing across the agricultural value chain, particularly for smallholder farmers who often face limited access to capital and unstable pricing.
Speaking during the launch in the economic capital, Abidjan, Agriculture Minister Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani called the exchange a “historic turning point” for the West African nation’s economy.
“More than 60 percent of our population depends on agriculture,” Adjoumani said. “This exchange will ensure that farmers benefit fairly from their production, while also making our sector more competitive on the international stage.”
Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s leading exporter of cashew nuts, cocoa, kola nuts, and natural rubber. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy, contributing around 40 percent of the country’s export revenues.
Authorities believe that by integrating structured trading mechanisms and reference pricing, the BMPA will reduce market volatility and empower producers in price negotiations. The exchange also aims to enhance Côte d’Ivoire’s position in global commodity markets by aligning trade practices with international standards.
The BMPA is expected to expand to include other major agricultural products over time, further cementing Côte d’Ivoire’s role as a key agricultural hub in Africa.