Côte d’Ivoire signs US$157M deal with Italy’s BF for major farm project
The government says the investment will help cut food imports and boost local crop production.
COTE D’VOIRE – Côte d’Ivoire has signed a 134 million euros (US$156.8 million) deal with Italian firm Bonifiche Ferraresi (BF) to set up a massive farm that aims to cut food imports and boost local crops.
The deal, announced by the Ivorian Press Agency, will establish a large-scale pilot farm on 10,000 hectares in Tagadi, in the sub-prefecture of Sorobango.
Minister Adjoumani said the project shows the country’s determination to strengthen food security. “This initiative will support the production of key local crops such as yams, maize, millet, chili peppers, and eggplants, while reducing our dependence on wheat and rice imports,” he explained.
Côte d’Ivoire currently imports large volumes of food, spending almost $2.90 billion annually between 2021 and 2023, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Rice, soft wheat, and flour remain the most imported goods.
Officials believe the new project will allow the country to redirect part of this spending toward local supply.
Although the timeline for the farm’s operations has not yet been announced, authorities stressed that preparations are underway. For BF Group, the deal marks a chance to establish stronger roots in West Africa while tapping into the growing food market.
Italy’s BF expands in West Africa
The project in Côte d’Ivoire adds to BF’s expanding footprint in the region. Since August 2024, the company has been running a $98.5 million project on a 5,000-hectare estate in Aveyime-Battor, Ghana.
In April 2025, BF also signed an agreement with the mayor of Kaour in Senegal for the creation of a 10,000-hectare agro-industrial site.
Company representatives said the Ivory Coast venture is central to its regional strategy. “Our commitment is to work with local governments to strengthen agricultural systems and respond to rising food demand,” a BF spokesperson noted.
A regional push for food security
The latest deal highlights a broader regional effort to reduce dependence on imported staples. By encouraging large-scale private sector projects, West African governments hope to boost yields, cut import bills, and increase the resilience of their food systems.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the project signals a stronger focus on self-reliance. As Minister Adjoumani emphasized, “We want to ensure that our citizens can rely on local produce, not only for food security but also for economic growth.”
With Ivory Coast joining Ghana and Senegal on BF’s list of active projects, the Italian group now operates across three West African countries. Analysts expect the success of these farms to play a major role in shaping the region’s agricultural future.
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