Côte d’Ivoire’s poultry growth drives demand for local feed ingredients

CÔTE D’IVOIRE – Côte d’Ivoire’s rapid poultry sector growth is driving demand for locally produced maize and soybeans, creating opportunities to strengthen the domestic feed supply chain and support further expansion of poultry production.

The development of the country’s poultry and feed sectors was highlighted during a strategic presentation for Fieravicola 2027, the international poultry trade fair scheduled for 20-22 April 2027 at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy.

The meeting, held in Abidjan on 8 September, was organised by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Ivorian Poultry Interprofessional Association (IPRAVI) and Guinea’s National Interprofessional Poultry Federation (FINA).

Côte d’Ivoire’s poultry meat production increased from 23,000 tonnes in 2010 to 139,000 tonnes in 2025, according to figures presented at the event. 

Table egg production also increased from 695 million units in 2010 to 1.862 billion units in 2025.

This expansion has increased demand for feed and the raw materials used in poultry diets. 

The sector is a major consumer of locally produced maize and soybeans, creating an important market for farmers and other players across the feed value chain.

The poultry sector now generates an estimated CFA480 billion (US$830 million) in turnover and supports more than 350,000 direct and indirect jobs. 

Rising production has also increased per capita poultry meat consumption to 4.25 kg annually, while egg consumption has reached 57 eggs per capita.

Strengthening the poultry and feed value chain

Industry stakeholders said further investment and technology adoption will be needed to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imported animal protein.

Boubacar Dansoko, president of FINA, called for stronger interprofessional organisations, greater training for young people and modernisation of poultry production across West Africa.

The meeting also highlighted opportunities for technology partnerships between West African poultry operators and Italian companies. 

Alessandro Gerbino, director of the Italian Trade Agency office in Dakar, which also covers Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, said Italian expertise could support the region’s production and sustainability objectives.

Animal health remains another priority as poultry production expands.

Sidi Tiémoko Touré, Côte d’Ivoire’s minister of animal and fisheries resources, highlighted the resurgence of avian influenza, including H5 subtypes, and the need to strengthen technical capacity.

Italian Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Roberta Di Lecce said cooperation would include areas such as biosecurity and sustainability.

Business-to-business meetings following the presentation brought together Italian companies including Chemifarma, Facco, Neofarma and Rota Guido with Ivorian and Guinean poultry industry representatives.

The discussions are expected to support participation by West African operators at Fieravicola 2027 and provide opportunities to explore technologies for poultry production, animal health and value-chain development.

With poultry production having increased sixfold since 2010, continued growth will depend on reliable supplies of feed ingredients, improved production systems and stronger animal health measures across Côte d’Ivoire’s poultry value chain.

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