AGP Executive Report

Cocoa Policy in Abidjan: Côte d’Ivoire kept the 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, disappointing farmers after earlier hopes of a rebound, as the sector still underpins livelihoods and a big share of GDP. Value-Add Push: At the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days, authorities said they will expand local processing capacity from 1.155m tonnes to 1.344m in 2026/27, aiming to capture more value as prices fall. Oil & Gas Industrial Step: Offshore work advanced for Eni’s Baleine Phase 3 as Wison New Energies cut first steel for the FPSO hull, with gas earmarked for the domestic market. Mining Update (Kossou): Kobo Resources reported new high-grade gold drill results at its Kossou project, extending mineralisation north and at depth toward an inaugural MRE in Q4 2026. Global Mobility Shock (Africa, incl. Ivorian links): Uber abruptly exited Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect, shrinking its African footprint to Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa—a reminder of how quickly regional business conditions can shift. Tourism Outreach: Côte d’Ivoire debuted at China’s Culture and Tourism Industries Expo in Tianjin, pitching the country to Chinese travelers and investors.

Uber Exit Shock: Ride-hailing giant Uber shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept 2, citing a “thorough review” and a global restructure that will cut about 3,300 jobs (10%) while redirecting investment toward higher-yield priorities like autonomous vehicles. Cocoa Price Politics: In Côte d’Ivoire, the agriculture ministry says the 2026/27 farmgate cocoa price stays at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, disappointing farmers after earlier hopes of a rebound. Local Cocoa Value-Add: Côte d’Ivoire also announced plans to expand cocoa processing capacity for 2026/27, aiming to raise installed capacity from 1.155m tonnes to 1.344m, as prices remain under pressure. Abidjan Cleanup Legacy: Survivors of the Probo Koala toxic waste disaster say they’re still living with the fallout two decades on, after a controversial settlement that limited further legal action. Security Frameworks Under Strain: A review of West African coastal security efforts argues regional plans exist, but implementation is lagging as jihadist pressure grows. Mining Watch: Kobo Resources reported new high-grade gold drill results at its Kossou project in Côte d’Ivoire, extending mineralisation north and at depth.

Cocoa Policy: Côte d’Ivoire opened the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days in Abidjan with a push to expand local processing capacity from 1.155m tonnes to 1.344m for 2026/27, as authorities keep the guaranteed farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg despite a sharp fall in prices. Political Debate: Ghana’s opposition UP’s Solomon Owusu challenged the NPP over cocoa pricing, arguing Ghana’s current producer price is far higher than Ivorian levels and calling for a more “honest” public discussion. Housing Pressure: An AFP report highlights Abidjan’s worsening housing crunch, where even minimum-wage earners struggle to find decent, affordable homes as rental costs rise and supply lags. Corporate Moves: Uber shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept. 2 after a review, leaving it with a smaller footprint in Africa; the exits also follow earlier withdrawals from Ivory Coast and Tanzania. Justice & Health Legacy: Survivors of the Probo Koala toxic waste dumping in Abidjan say they are still waiting for promised support, after a 2007 settlement that they say granted Trafigura immunity. Infrastructure & State Capacity: Côte d’Ivoire’s skyline ambition gets a boost with progress on the Tour F project, framed as a symbol of national recovery and investment confidence.

Cocoa Value Push: Côte d’Ivoire opened the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days in Abidjan with a plan to raise installed cocoa processing capacity from 1.155m tonnes to 1.344m in 2026/27, as farmgate prices fall; officials also reiterated the minimum guaranteed farmgate price of 1,200 CFA francs/kg while calling for more research, mechanization and stronger plant protection. Rural Connectivity: Côte d’Ivoire launched an XOF 38bn rural connectivity project aimed at linking 575 localities, a move framed as part of broader government efforts to extend services beyond major cities. Health Insurance Expansion: Alan, backed by Kylian Mbappé, acquired Dakar-based Tanel in its first Africa expansion, with Tanel operating in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire and serving about 70,000 members—targeting one million customers across Africa by 2030. Housing Pressure in Abidjan: An AFP report highlights Abidjan’s worsening rental unaffordability, with families struggling to find decent homes even above the minimum wage, as demand outpaces supply. Security & Crime Spillover: Dutch authorities reported a pre-dawn gun battle in Overasselt linked to the “Fat Jos” cocaine network, underscoring how transnational drug violence keeps escalating across Europe.

Cocoa Value Push: Côte d’Ivoire opened the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days in Abidjan with a clear plan to raise local processing capacity from 1.155m tonnes to 1.344m tonnes in 2026-2027, as farmgate prices fall. Officials say new plants and more investment in research, mechanization, and disease-resistant seeds are meant to boost added value and competitiveness. Farmgate Price Shield: The government kept the minimum guaranteed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg for 2026-2027, even as farmers feel the squeeze. Rural Connectivity Rollout: Côte d’Ivoire also moved ahead on digital access, commissioning the first phase of its National Rural Connectivity Programme (PNCR) to connect 575 rural communities under a XOF 38bn budget. Housing Pressure in Abidjan: An AFP report spotlights Abidjan’s rental crunch: households struggle to find decent homes on wages, with residents describing high prices, poor conditions, and difficult access roads. Cocoa Market Signals: Internationally, cocoa futures swung after supply fears tied to weather risks in Ivory Coast, with traders watching the 2026/27 crop outlook closely.

Housing Crunch in Abidjan: AFP reports Abidjan residents struggling to find decent, affordable homes as the city’s population tops six million but supply lags; one couple says even 100,000 CFA francs won’t cover prices, with poor road access and rental unaffordability highlighted by UN-Habitat. Rural Connectivity Push: Côte d’Ivoire completes the first phase of its XOF 38bn National Rural Connectivity Programme, commissioning telecom sites to connect 575 rural localities and expand public e-services. Cocoa Living Income Pressure: Fairtrade Africa urges stronger coordination across the cocoa chain to close the living income gap, citing new reference prices for Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire amid low prices and rising costs. Water Partnership with Local Reach: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expand the Cargill Currents partnership into Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica and Türkiye, while continuing programming in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to improve safe water access, sanitation, watershed restoration and farming water efficiency. Côte d’Ivoire in Regional Deportation Spotlight: The US releases an updated deportation list of 427 people from West Africa, including 15 from Côte d’Ivoire, with mugshots and alleged offences. Afrikrea Relaunch: Ivory Coast’s Afrikrea returns under its original name on its 10th anniversary, restoring a platform for African and diaspora creators after a rebrand to ANKA and acquisition by Global Shop Group.

Rural Connectivity Push: Côte d’Ivoire commissioned the first phase of its National Rural Connectivity Programme (PNCR), with XOF 38bn earmarked to link 575 rural communities and expand public e-services, starting with new telecom sites in Djebakaha (Korhogo). Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report spotlights Abidjan’s worsening rental unaffordability as demand outpaces supply; families say even above-minimum budgets can’t secure decent homes, with poor access roads adding pressure. Cocoa Living Income Debate: Fairtrade Africa urged stronger coordination across the cocoa value chain to close the living income gap, citing new reference prices for Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Fashion & Commerce: Ivory Coast’s Afrikrea relaunches under its original name on its 10th anniversary, restoring a platform for independent African and diaspora creators after prior rebranding and acquisition. US Deportation List: The US published an updated deportation list naming 427 people from West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire, with charges ranging from fraud to robbery. Digital Economy: Côte d’Ivoire’s Afrikrea relaunch and the PNCR rollout both point to a push to connect creators and communities to wider markets.

Rural Connectivity Push: Côte d’Ivoire has commissioned the first phase of its National Rural Connectivity Programme (PNCR), a XOF 38 billion effort to link 575 rural communities and expand public e-services, with new telecom sites inaugurated in Djebakaha (Korhogo). Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report spotlights how Abidjan’s rapid growth has outpaced decent, affordable rentals, with residents saying even the minimum wage can’t cover housing costs and access problems. Cocoa Price Pressure & Living Income: Fairtrade Africa urged stronger coordination across the cocoa chain to close the living income gap, pointing to new living income reference prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana amid ongoing market strain. Cocoa Supply Fears: Cocoa futures surged as traders repriced the 2026/27 West African crop outlook, citing weaker prospects in Ivory Coast and Ghana and rising El Niño-linked risks. Trade Platform: India’s BIRC 2026 is drawing 3,317 buyers from 138 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, as exporters seek new routes and long-term deals. Fashion Tech Relaunch: Afrikrea announced it is returning to its original name on its 10th anniversary, reviving a platform for African and diaspora creators while keeping B2B tools under ANKA.

Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report spotlights Veronique and Faustin Kla’s months-long search for an affordable home in Abidjan, where even a 75,000 CFA minimum wage struggles against rising rents and poor access roads, echoing UN-Habitat findings that rental costs are increasingly “unaffordable” across Sub-Saharan Africa. Cocoa Price Policy: Reuters reports Ivory Coast plans to keep the fixed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main crop season, starting Sept. 1, after cutting it from 2,800 CFA in 2025/26. Abidjan Culture & Industry: The 7th edition of Ivorian Traditional Fabric Days drew artisans and designers to Abidjan (Aug. 27-29), pushing traditional textiles into modern products. Energy Access Push: New analysis says Africa is on track for a record 17 GW of solar installations in 2026, with IRENA highlighting solar mini-grids as key for rural electrification in Francophone West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire.

Sahel Security Shock: A mutiny in Niger’s capital hit Base 101 and Diori Hamani International Airport, a key site tied to the Alliance of Sahel States’ security architecture and Russian Africa Corps coordination, underscoring how fragile junta-led security gains remain. Cocoa Policy Watch: Ivory Coast is expected to keep the fixed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 season starting September 1, after a cut from 2,800 CFA francs/kg last season—an issue that will shape farmer incomes and political pressure. Abidjan Culture & Industry: The 7th edition of Ivorian Traditional Fabric Days ran in Abidjan (Aug. 27–29), spotlighting weavers and designers and pushing traditional textiles into modern products. Regional Energy Context: A new analysis says Africa is on track for a record 17 GW of solar installations in 2026, with off-grid mini-grids highlighted for Francophone West Africa including Côte d’Ivoire.

Cocoa Price Policy: Ivory Coast is set to keep the fixed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main crop season starting September 1, after cutting from 2,800 CFA in 2025/26—sources say the regulator’s sales averages and global price swings shaped the decision. Security in the Sahel: Gunfire and explosions were reported overnight near Base 101 at Niamey airport in Niger, a site hit earlier this year by jihadist groups; no official statement had been issued by Saturday morning. Regional Diplomacy & Power: A report highlights how Sahel military governments are reshaping security partnerships after coups—swapping Western ties for new Russian-backed structures—without yet seeing clear gains for civilians. Governance & Justice: A Supreme Court ruling in Liberia orders Ecobank Liberia and two public figures to pay US$350,000 over the unlawful leak and broadcast of confidential bank records tied to a census-related scandal. Energy & Industry: Analysis says Africa is on track for a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026, with solar mini-grids flagged as key for Francophone West Africa’s rural electrification gaps. Culture in Abidjan: The 7th Ivorian Traditional Fabric Days opened in Abidjan, bringing weavers and designers together to push the traditional fabric sector forward.

Cocoa Policy: Ivory Coast will keep the fixed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main crop season starting September 1, after cutting from 2,800 CFA in 2025/26; sources say the regulator’s sales averages and a proposed 1,200–1,500 CFA range shaped the decision. Security in the Region: Gunfire and explosions hit Base 101 near Niamey airport in Niger, a target previously attacked by jihadist groups; no official statement was issued as armored vehicles moved in the administrative district. Haiti Deportations: The UN says nearly 200,000 people were forcibly returned to Haiti in the first eight months of 2026, warning that worsening insecurity and illegal arms inflows are constraining preparations for elections. Governance & Power: A new report highlights how ageing autocrats across Africa are tightening control to stay in power, with Cameroon’s Paul Biya cited as an example of long rule and continuity without reform momentum. Culture & Industry in Abidjan: The 7th Ivorian Traditional Fabric Days opened in Abidjan, bringing artisans and designers to push the traditional fabric sector forward. Business & Jobs: Olam Agri completed its acquisition of ASAF, adding 176,000 tons of annual rubber processing capacity in Ivory Coast to expand traceable natural rubber supply.

Cocoa Policy: Ivory Coast is set to keep the fixed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main season, starting September 1, after a prior cut from 2,800 CFA francs/kg as global prices swung. Cocoa Governance: A new ETH Zurich-linked study warns that at least 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Ivory Coast may include manipulated data, raising fresh questions ahead of delayed EU deforestation rules. Security in the Region: Gunfire and explosions were reported overnight near Niamey’s Base 101 at Niger’s international airport, a site previously hit by jihadist groups including IS Sahel and JNIM. Humanitarian Crisis: The UN says nearly 200,000 people were forcibly returned to Haiti in the first eight months of 2026, amid worsening insecurity and a surge in illegal arms. Energy & Industry: Olam Agri completed its acquisition of Asia Africa Rubber Industry, adding 176,000 tons/year of rubber processing capacity in Ivory Coast. Diplomacy: Côte d’Ivoire and Vietnam agreed to deepen parliamentary cooperation, including agricultural production and export exchanges.

Ivorian Cocoa Accountability: A new ETH Zurich-linked study says at least 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Côte d’Ivoire involved manipulated data, raising fresh pressure as EU deforestation rules loom. Agro-Industry Expansion: Olam Agri completed its acquisition of Asia Africa Rubber Industry, adding 176,000 tonnes of annual rubber processing capacity in Côte d’Ivoire and strengthening its rubber value chain. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire moved to deepen cooperation after a National Assembly exchange in Hanoi, with plans to coordinate across multilateral forums and learn from agricultural production models. Energy Access Push: Analysis projects record solar growth in Africa in 2026, highlighting solar mini-grids as key for rural electrification in Francophone West Africa including Côte d’Ivoire. Security & Crime Networks: INTERPOL’s Operation Jackal IV reports 58 arrests across 22 countries, exposing a shared criminal “supply chain” behind financial fraud and sextortion campaigns targeting minors. Culture & Fashion in Abidjan: The 7th Ivorian Traditional Fabric Days ran in Abidjan, spotlighting artisans and designers and how traditional textiles are being reshaped for modern markets. Regional Trade Barriers: West Africa is working to speed up seed movement across borders, arguing that mutual recognition rules exist but are applied unevenly.

Cocoa Supply Chain Integrity: A new ETH Zurich-linked study says at least 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Côte d’Ivoire show manipulated data, raising fresh pressure as EU deforestation rules are delayed again. Agro-Industry Expansion: Olam Agri completed its acquisition of Asia Africa Rubber Industry, adding 176,000 tons of annual rubber processing capacity in Côte d’Ivoire to boost traceable supply and efficiency. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire agreed to deepen parliamentary cooperation after a visit by the Ivorian National Assembly vice president, including practical exchanges on agriculture and exports. Regional Security & Crime: INTERPOL’s “Operation Jackal IV” wrapped up with 58 arrests and 263 identified suspects across 22 countries, targeting West African cyber fraud networks linked to sextortion. Trade & Governance Watch: A report on Liberia alleges timber smuggling to Côte d’Ivoire outside legal systems, spotlighting cross-border enforcement gaps. Human Development: A Senegal-made generic hydroxyurea treatment is reported as a first for Africa, aiming to cut costs and improve sickle cell care across West Africa.

Cocoa & Child Labour: Ferrero and Save the Children say their Cacao Connect initiative in Côte d’Ivoire has cut poverty among participating households from 60% to 43% and improved access to education while tackling child labour risks in cocoa communities. Cocoa Supply Chain Integrity: A new ETH Zurich-linked study warns that at least 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Côte d’Ivoire may include manipulated data, raising pressure as EUDR deforestation rules near. Agro-Industry Investment: Olam Agri has completed its acquisition of Asia Africa Rubber Industry, adding 176,000 metric tons of annual rubber processing capacity in Côte d’Ivoire and nearly doubling its local capacity. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly vice president met Vietnam’s leadership in Hanoi to deepen parliamentary cooperation and coordinate on agriculture and trade models. Security & Justice (Regional): INTERPOL’s Operation Jackal IV wrapped up with 58 arrests and 263 suspects identified across 22 countries, targeting West African cyber fraud networks that also fuel sextortion. Humanitarian Health: Research highlights how malaria patients often stop treatment early after symptoms fade, undermining prevention and cure efforts. Coconut Replanting Plan: Côte d’Ivoire launched an ambitious coconut replanting push aiming for 100,000 hectares over the next decade to reverse declining production.