The International Summit on the Revival of the Coconut Sector, held at the Sofitel Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan from September 9 to 10, 2024, brought together key stakeholders, experts, and international organizations to address the challenges and opportunities facing the coconut industry in Côte d’Ivoire. The event was coordinated by the Abidjan Legacy Program (ALP) and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA), and other local and international partners.
The inauguration of the event was graced by the H.E the Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production of Côte d’Ivoire, underscoring the government's commitment to revitalizing the country's coconut sector.
At the invitation of the Coordinator of the Abidjan Legacy Program, the Assistant Director of the International Coconut Community (ICC) attended the summit, representing the Executive Director of ICC. In his presentation on the Global Scenario of the Coconut Sector, the Assistant Director shared valuable insights into global trends, emerging opportunities, and the growth potential of the coconut industry. He highlighted the remarkable potential for Côte d’Ivoire's coconut sector to expand, presenting key statistics demonstrating its growth prospects and significance in the global coconut market. During the panel discussion, Assistant Director also explored how the ICC could play a pivotal role in advancing the coconut sector in Côte d’Ivoire. He emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, capacity building, and knowledge-sharing initiatives between ICC and local stakeholders. Furthermore, he shared his expertise on funding opportunities available at the international level, which could support the sustainable development of the sector. In addition to the ICC's contributions, the summit featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including experts from African countries and representatives from international organizations. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, from sustainable development and public-private partnerships to best practices in coconut cultivation.
A field trip to coconut plantations in the vicinity of Abidjan allowed participants to gain firsthand insights into local coconut farming practices. The event also included exhibitions where various stakeholders showcased products, services, and innovations in the coconut sector. Following the conclusion of the summit, the ICC Assistant Director engaged in productive discussions with the National Liaison Officer and Alternate National Liaison Officer from Côte d'Ivoire to explore future collaborations. He also held discussions with Mr. Abou Bamba, advisor to the H.E the President of the Côte d’Ivoire and Coordinator of the Abidjan Legacy Program (ALP), on how to further advance this initiative, with the participation of representatives from other African countries.
The ICC looks forward to continued collaboration with Côte d’Ivoire and other African nations to revitalize the coconut sector and explore new avenues for sustainable growth and development.
