January 27, 2026 marks a historic turning point for Ivorian agriculture. With the official launch of the Interprofessional Agricultural Organization (OIA) for the cassava sector in Abidjan, the government and its financial partners are structuring a vital sector to transform agricultural potential into a lever for massive growth.

A strategic framework for a unified sector

Long characterized by significant fragmentation, the cassava sector now has a compass. The OIA Manioc was designed as a unique coordination platform bringing together producers, processors and traders .

The objective is clear: to move from scattered artisanal operations to an organized industry. Driven by the government, this new framework aims to improve governance, secure national supply, and provide stakeholders on the ground with effective management tools.

Cassava in figures: A major player in the economy

Cassava is no longer just a subsistence crop; it is a macroeconomic pillar.

1. GDP: It already represents 12.4% of agricultural GDP and 2.8% of national GDP.
2. Production: 8.4 million tonnes produced annually.
3. Social reach: 1.5 million stakeholders across 31 regions and more than 950 organizations.

Ambitions and prospects: Heading towards 2026

To boost the profitability of the sector, the OIA Manioc relies on quantified objectives and significant support (European Union, SAFAF program, OCPV):

1. Job creation: More than 48,000 new jobs expected.
2. Productivity: Distribution of 2 billion certified cuttings to regenerate crops.
3. Effectiveness: Drastic reduction in post-harvest losses and stabilization of incomes for small producers.

Towards transparent and modern governance

For the government, the OIA Manioc becomes the essential single point of contact. As Yedoh Kévin Nomel , Chairman of the OIA Board of Directors, points out, this structure will allow for:

1. Accurately map the actors in the value chain.
2. Standardize the quality of processed products (attiéké, starch, flour).
3. Facilitating access to financing through mechanisms tailored to each link in the chain.

By transforming cassava into a competitive and sustainable sector, Côte d'Ivoire is not only strengthening its food sovereignty but also consolidating its position as a regional economic leader. The era of a structured and prosperous cassava industry has officially begun.