Despite a slight decrease in livestock imports from neighboring countries, Ivory Coast will not lack sheep for Tabaski 2026. Thanks to a strong mobilization of local breeders, the national market is fully supplied.

The assurance was given this Tuesday, May 26, 2026, by Dr. Dagnogo Komissiri, technical advisor at the Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources (MIRAH), during the weekly "All you need to know about" meeting of the CICG.

An external deficit offset by local resources

While initial forecasts anticipated the arrival of 350,000 head of small ruminants , imports to the sub-region have shown a slight decline. However, MIRAH (the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries) is reassuring:

1. Minimal impact: The import deficit remained below 10%.
2. The local response: This loss of revenue was largely compensated by Ivorian livestock.
3. Continuous flows: Overall figures continue to climb, with many convoys still arriving at night.

Domestic producers based in Danané, Daloa, Korhogo , and Port-Bouët have transported their livestock en masse to Abidjan and other cities in the interior, ensuring the availability of animals throughout the country. For cattle, the trend is even more positive, with volumes already exceeding those of the previous year.

A strong signal for pastoral autonomy

According to an aide to Minister Sidi Touré, this situation is not inevitable, but rather a golden opportunity for the Ivorian pastoral sector. It proves that Côte d'Ivoire possesses the necessary resources to reduce its dependence on foreign aid.

“We have many animal owners in Côte d’Ivoire, but still too few true livestock farmers. This situation should prompt us to further develop our local potential.” — Dr. Dagnogo Komissiri, Technical Advisor at MIRAH

The ministry is therefore calling for greater awareness in order to structure and further professionalize the sector, so as to transform this temporary success into sustainable self-sufficiency.