VIV Africa expands to Côte d’Ivoire in 2027

CÔTE D’IVOIRE – VNU Europe, the international division of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and organizer of VIV Worldwide, has confirmed the expansion of its African portfolio with the launch of VIV Africa in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The event will take place at the Parc des expositions d’Abidjan / Abidjan Exhibition Centre in October 2027.

The move follows a new alternating show format that will see VIV Africa hosted in Kigali, Rwanda in 2026 and in Abidjan in 2027.

Organizers say the format gives the industry a steady meeting point on the continent, with East Africa hosting in even years and West Africa in odd years.

“Bringing VIV Africa to Côte d’Ivoire is a natural step for us,” said Jeroen van Hooff, CEO and President of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs. “Abidjan is a vibrant city and a gateway to West Africa. By alternating between East and West Africa, we can give our exhibitors and visitors better access to the markets and people they want to meet. This way, we can respond to the strong interest that companies have in Africa and create more opportunities for the industry to grow.”

The show will cover the entire value chain from feed to food, with the main spotlight on poultry, aquatics, swine and dairy.

Organizers note that West Africa offers strong growth potential due to its rising population, increasing demand for quality protein, and ongoing investments across livestock, poultry and aquaculture.

Strong Local Support

The announcement has received widespread backing from regional industry associations. Interprofession Avicole de Côte d’Ivoire (IPRAVI) pledged its active support for the event.

“IPRAVI is delighted with the choice of Abidjan as the host city for the very first edition of VIV in West Africa in 2027,” said Sylvain Gotta, President of IPRAVI.

“This event reflects the recognition of the remarkable dynamism and strong potential of the poultry sector in the region. Fully committed to the success of this project, we are enthusiastic and remain closely engaged with the organizers to ensure its smooth implementation.”

Koidio Dominique, Secretary General of INTERPORCI, said the exhibition will boost the pig sector. “INTERPORCI is delighted with the strategic choice of Côte d’Ivoire as the host country of the VIV exhibition, a major international event dedicated to innovation and the development of the animal production sectors. This decision reflects the growing recognition of Côte d’Ivoire’s dynamism in the agro-industrial sector and of its structuring role in West Africa.”

Aquaculture leaders share the same view. “INTERAQUA warmly welcomes the launch of VIV Africa in Côte d’Ivoire. This event will serve as a valuable platform for meetings and exchanges among aquaculture professionals from across the region,” said Salif Sawadogo, Chairman of the Board at INTERAQUA.

Abidjan as a strategic hub

The Abidjan Exhibition Centre will host the event, offering modern infrastructure and strong transport links. The city’s status as a regional business hub, supported by the Port of Abidjan and a developed hospitality sector, strengthens its suitability to host an international trade show.

The 2027 edition will include a large exhibition, networking sessions, and a Leadership Conference on October 5, one day before the official opening.

“The key strength of the VIV Worldwide platform is anchored in our ability to listen to the industry and bring our shows to where stakeholders want to grow,” said Natalie Taylor, Project Manager for VIV Africa.

“We’ve seen tremendous enthusiasm from companies looking to expand in West Africa, and by establishing VIV Africa in Abidjan, we’re creating meaningful connections, facilitating knowledge transfer, and supporting the development of sustainable animal protein production across the region.”

VIV Africa in Abidjan will take place on October 6–7, 2027.

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