Côte d'Ivoire has taken a firm step towards the industrialisation of the cocoa sector with the inauguration of a modern processing complex in Akoupé-Zeudji, on the outskirts of Abidjan. The $235 million project marks a milestone in the country's strategy to add local value to its main raw material.
The industrial complex, christened Transcao PK24, has an initial capacity to process 50,000 tonnes of cocoa per year, with plans to double this to 100,000 tonnes. The facilities also include a large-capacity warehouse and a technical training centre for employees, with the aim of reinforcing knowledge transfer.
The plant is the result of a partnership with the Chinese company China Light Industry Nanning Design Engineering, which has provided technology and technical assistance. The collaboration is part of a broader national plan to process 100 % of the cocoa produced in the country by 2030.
During the opening ceremony, Ivorian Vice-President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné underlined the importance of this initiative for the national economy. "It is not only about industrialisation, but also about regaining control over our wealth and employment," he said.
With the start-up of this new factory, Côte d'Ivoire brings the total number of cocoa processing plants in its territory to 15. The complex will generate more than 1,400 direct jobs and is also expected to boost the local business fabric linked to the sector.
The world's leading cocoa producer, Côte d'Ivoire has historically exported its beans unprocessed. With investments such as this one, the country seeks to reverse this trend, retain more profits at origin and position itself as Africa's leader in agro-industrial value added.
Source: ecofinagency.com; furtherafrica.com