CÔTE D’IVOIRE – Côte d’Ivoire, a nation where beef ranks as the preferred source of animal protein after fish, has embarked on an ambitious endeavour to fortify its meat sector by launching a US$11 million project for the construction of slaughterhouse complexes and livestock markets.
With over half of its meat consumption needing to be imported, the government is taking proactive steps to revitalize this crucial industry.
The Minister of Animal and Fishery Resources in Côte d’Ivoire, Sidi Tiémoko Touré, officially initiated the project, colloquially known as the “Slaughterhouse Project,” highlighting its main goal aimed at revitalizing and modernizing the meat industry in the country.
According to details disclosed by the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP), the bold government initiative carries a total price tag of US$11 million and is set to unfold over the next three years, spanning from 2023 to 2026.
The primary thrust of the project is to finance the construction and outfitting of four state-of-the-art slaughterhouses and livestock markets within the region.
Additionally, two existing slaughterhouses will undergo extensive rehabilitation as part of this comprehensive plan.
The government envisioned that these upgraded facilities would not only enhance the quality of livestock products but also harmonize the interface between slaughter activities and the urban environment.
Furthermore, the project seeks to bolster the capacities of stakeholders operating within the livestock and meat sector. By doing so, it aims to foster improved coordination and efficiency throughout the meat supply chain.
Official data from the government underscored the importance of this initiative. Meat and edible offal production in Côte d’Ivoire currently covers around 45% of the nation’s consumption needs.
In 2021, the country imported a staggering 168,000 tonnes of meat and edible offal, valued at US$123.3 million, according to data compiled by the BCEAO (Central Bank of West African States).
Meanwhile, in response to rising living costs and supply concerns, the Ivorian government has also temporarily suspended the export of local rice and sugar from September 18 to December 31, 2023.
According to the information note, the two measures aim to combat the high cost of living and ensure regular supply of the national market.
These measures, in conjunction with price caps on essential consumer products, are also aimed at safeguarding the purchasing power of the population.
Rice and sugar prices have been under pressure in recent days in the Ivorian market. To meet the growing demand, the Ivorian government plans to increase milled rice production by 27%, reaching 1.4 million tonnes in 2023, up from an estimated 1.1 million tonnes per year
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