On Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Pullman Hotel in Abidjan-Plateau, the Côte d’Ivoire Export Agency and the Fund for the Restructuring and Upgrading of Industrial Enterprises (FREMIN) officially launched the project: “Support for the Marketing of ‘Made in Côte d’Ivoire’ Products.”
Spanning 18 months, this initiative aims to strengthen the capabilities of Ivorian enterprises, facilitate their access to international markets, and promote national expertise.
A mechanism to boost the competitiveness of Ivorian enterprises.
Driven by the desire to increase the presence of Ivorian products in international markets and support the transformation of the national economy, this initiative aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s broader strategy for the development and diversification of its exports.
Implemented by the Côte d’Ivoire Export Agency in partnership with the Fund for the Restructuring and Upgrading of Industrial Enterprises (FREMIN), the project is designed to assist Ivorian businesses in structuring their product offerings, building their capacities, and preparing for international expansion.
The launch ceremony attended by Mr. Aboubacar Ouattara, Technical Advisor, representing Mr. Ibrahim Khalil Konaté, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Crafts—brought together around 100 participants, including representatives from public administration, technical and financial partners, support institutions, private sector organizations, and the beneficiary enterprises. This strong turnout underscores the importance placed on synergy between public and private stakeholders in promoting national products and creating new commercial opportunities.
Thirty beneficiary enterprises at the heart of the project. Following the Call for Expressions of Interest No. 001/08/2026, fifty companies were pre-selected; a subsequent preliminary export assessment narrowed this group down to 30 beneficiary companies.
The selection process incorporates inclusion criteria designed to foster diverse participation in the development of national exports. The framework stipulates that at least 30% of the beneficiary companies must be led by women, 20% must be young enterprises or start-ups, and 30% must be based outside the capital (inland).
These companies will receive structured support to strengthen their export readiness, enhance their commercial positioning, and better capitalize on opportunities in international markets.
Support structured around three pillars:
Implemented over an 18-month period, the project is organized into three complementary components.
- Technical support and capacity building
This component includes conducting assessments, developing international business plans, providing training tailored to export requirements, and implementing a traceability tool. These initiatives are designed to help companies structure their offerings, consolidate their business practices, and better meet the expectations of international buyers.
- Development of new markets
The project includes an export prospecting insurance scheme for 15 companies, as well as participation in trade fairs. These activities are intended to increase the visibility of Ivorian products, facilitate commercial outreach, and foster connections with potential partners and buyers.
- Monitoring and evaluation
This component will track the project’s implementation and assess progress made in relation to the established objectives. It will help measure the progress of the initiative and enhance the effectiveness of the support provided to the beneficiary companies.
Promoting Ivorian expertise on the international stage.
Through this project, the Côte d’Ivoire Export Agency continues its mission to promote, develop, and diversify exports of Ivorian products and services, contributing to the structural transformation of the national economy.
By offering personalized support—grounded in expert advice and assistance—the Agency guides companies throughout their entire export journey. The partnership with the FREMIN project strengthens this approach by focusing on preparing businesses, structuring their product or service offerings, and securing access to new market opportunities.
As the Director General of the Côte d’Ivoire Export Agency highlights:
“Exporting ‘Made in Côte d’Ivoire’ products requires careful preparation. Through the FREMIN project, we support our local companies in their international expansion, ensuring that Ivorian expertise gains recognition in international markets.”
The official launch of the project marks a new milestone in the support provided to the 30 selected companies. Through the planned initiatives, the goal is to bolster their commercial development, enhance the competitiveness of their products, and facilitate their sustainable access to international markets.
Preparing companies for export, promoting national products, and opening up new business opportunities—these are shared ambitions aimed at showcasing the “Made in Côte d’Ivoire” brand and strengthening the presence of Ivorian enterprises in international markets.
