** The Agricultural Raw Materials Stock Exchange: a new era for the agricultural sector **
On May 28, 2025, Côte d’Ivoire crossed a crucial stage in the structuring of its agricultural market with the launch of the Agricultural Raw Materials (BMPA) in Abidjan. This long -awaited initiative raises significant hopes for the country’s agricultural industry, but also questions about its real impact on producers and the local market.
### Structuring progress
The BMPA is the first of its kind not only in Côte d’Ivoire, but also in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). By introducing an electronic rating model associated with a certified storage system, the scholarship aims to establish an environment conducive to transparency and safety of commercial transactions.
It was designed to allow producers, cooperatives and agricultural professional organizations to interact directly with buyers. The three approved brokers – West Africa Commodities Market, Raw Material Trading and African Commodities Brokerage House – as well as the National Investment Bank (BNI), as an agricultural settlement bank, are called upon to play an essential role in this new ecosystem.
### The ambitious objectives of the BMPA
The Ivorian authorities have clear ambitions: to improve prices transparency, to facilitate the marketing of agricultural raw materials and guarantee better remuneration of local producers. In a country where more than 60 % of the population depends on the agricultural sector, such an initiative could offer a significant alternative to the current price fixing mechanisms, often influenced by international markets.
The first quotes include strategic products such as cashews, corn and cola nuts. These choices are not harmless; Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s leading producer of these materials, which underlines the importance of this market for the national economy. By allowing producers to better understand the mechanisms of valuing their harvests, the BMPA could promote greater commitment on their part.
### Challenges and perspectives
Nevertheless, questions arise about the BMPA’s ability to fully meet the needs of local actors and overcome several challenges. First of all, the question of awareness remains central. Can producers, especially those of small size, often having limited means, will they really be able to access this platform and derive profits?
In addition, the success of the scholarship will also depend on the confidence it will be able to establish among market players. The security of transactions and the integrity of prices will be key elements to encourage the participation of producers, as well as the commitment of brokers to act in a fair and transparent manner.
It is also essential to consider the long -term impact on dependence on international markets. While the BMPA aims to reduce this dependence, the question of the competitiveness of Ivorian products on foreign markets could arise. If the objective is to improve the financing of the agricultural sector and to increase local production, how can Côte d’Ivoire ensure that its products are distinguished internationally while remaining affordable locally?
### A wider strategy
This development is part of a broader vision of transformation of the Ivorian agricultural sector, a vital issue for a country whose economy is still largely based on agriculture. The BMPA could thus prove to be a step towards greater recognition of the agricultural sector in economic and political decision -making.
However, it is crucial that this initiative is integrated into a larger strategic framework, possibly including actions to improve rural infrastructure, consulting services and producer training. This would support this transition and maximize the benefits of the BMPA for all the actors concerned.
### Conclusion
The commissioning of the BMPA represents a significant advance for Côte d’Ivoire, but it is important to keep a balanced perspective on its challenges and its potential profits. The commitment of all the actors, from the base to the summit, will be decisive in the months and years to come to guarantee that this initiative is reflected in concrete results for producers and the country’s economy.
It is imperative that stakeholders, including the government, financial institutions and peasant organizations, collaborate closely so that the BMPA is not only a symbol of progress, but also a vector of real transformation for the Ivorian agricultural sector.
*Olivier KAFORO*