On Saturday, 11 July 2026, Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export took part in the launch ceremony of the agro-ecological bissap agricultural campaign, held in Nangoniekaha, in the department of Niakara, under the presidency of the local Sub-Prefect.

This initiative brought together agricultural cooperatives from a dozen villages in the Hambol region around an ambitious programme to cultivate around one hundred hectares of bissap (Hibiscus sabdariffa) according to the principles of agro-ecology. Delivered with the support of several partners, notably GIZ-CI, Bioyam, ESA-INPHB, CNA-CI, Entrepreneurship Solutions Partners (ESP), the National Committee for the AfCFTA, CGECI, and Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export, this project aims to structure a sector with high potential for value creation and export.

Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export was represented by Mr Marc LOBA, Technical Advisor to the Director General of Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export, Economist, and Senior Financial Services Administrator. He presented the Agency’s missions as well as the support schemes made available to agricultural cooperatives and processing companies to enhance their competitiveness and facilitate their access to regional and international markets.

During his address and interview with the press, Mr Marc LOBA reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to support the cooperatives committed to this initiative, as well as SN EBURNIE, the promoter of the Lya’Bissap brand, which already benefits from the support of Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export. This assistance aims to boost the visibility of their products, facilitate their access to international markets, and foster better commercialisation of their production.

Mr Marc LOBA also recalled that the sustainable conquest of export markets relies on compliance with quality, traceability, sustainability, and consistency of supply. Today, these criteria constitute crucial factors for improving the competitiveness of Ivorian products, accessing new commercial outlets, and guaranteeing better returns for producers in export markets.

The ceremony concluded with a visit to a pilot plot for agro-ecological bissap cultivation, followed by a meeting with the various economic stakeholders to present the next steps of the project, notably the collection of information required for contracting with producers and the implementation of training initiatives.

Through this participation, Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export reaffirms its commitment to supporting the structuring of agricultural sectors with high potential, enhancing the competitiveness of producers and processing companies, and sustainably promoting “Made in Côte d’Ivoire” on regional and international markets.