Abidjan: The 7th edition of SARA (International Agriculture and Animal Resources Exhibition of Abidjan)
The SARA (International Agriculture and Animal Resources Exhibition of Abidjan) is one of the major events dedicated to agriculture, animal resources, fisheries, and forestry sectors in Africa. Held biennially, SARA has established itself as a key platform for professionals, investors, and the general public.
The 7th edition of SARA will take place at the Abidjan Exhibition Park, marking the second time this venue has been chosen to host the event.
History and Objectives
Launched 16 years ago, the SARA was revived by the Ivorian government after a hiatus, with the aim of promoting and showcasing the agricultural, livestock, fisheries, and forestry sectors of Côte d’Ivoire. The 6th edition was held from September 28 to October 8, 2023, and achieved great success both in terms of organization and results. This event facilitated exchanges between industry players and led to the realization of several development projects.
Key Figures from the 2023 Edition
The 2023 edition played a significant role in advancing the sector, through professional meetings, knowledge-sharing, and project realization:
- 169 B2B meetings
- 950 business meetings
- 80 conferences, workshops, and panels
- 35 official exchange meetings
- 119 institutional visits
- 4 focus days
- 9 specialized meetings
- 1 agricultural start-up hackathon
These activities facilitated networking and investment opportunities within agriculture, livestock, and natural resource sectors.
A Platform for Investment Opportunities
SARA serves as a true platform for investment opportunities in the agricultural, livestock, fisheries, and forestry sectors. The 2023 edition allowed various economic actors, financial institutions, SMEs, and NGOs to meet and establish partnerships, thanks to fruitful exchanges during B2B meetings, roundtables, and informal discussions.
An Educational and Entertaining Event
Beyond its economic goals, SARA also stands out for its educational and entertainment aspects. The event attracted nearly 400,000 visitors, including 70,000 children, who had the chance to discover the richness of Ivorian agriculture and engage in interactive experiences through various activities:
- Exhibition stands showcasing products and innovations from the sector.
- SARA Park, an interactive space dedicated to agricultural discoveries.
- Gastronomy space, offering a variety of local products.
- Animal park, presenting local livestock species.
- SARA Market, a marketplace for agricultural products.
- SARA By Night, a leisure area with animations and concerts.
These activities helped raise awareness, particularly among young people, about the importance of the agricultural sector and the employment opportunities it offers.
High Attendance and International Participation
The 6th edition saw high attendance, especially in the first few days, with visitors from all over Côte d’Ivoire and several other countries. In total, 29 countries participated in the event. The 14 districts and 31 regions of Côte d’Ivoire were also represented, each showcasing their agricultural, animal, fisheries, and forestry specialties.
A Showcase of Skills and Expertise
SARA also served as a platform for the sharing of skills and expertise. Through conferences, training workshops, and professional meetings, exhibitors and visitors were able to exchange knowledge on innovative agricultural practices and share success stories both from Côte d’Ivoire and abroad.
In 2023, 29 countries participated, offering a rich exchange of knowledge and practices. The 2025 edition is already expected to attract more countries, eager to explore the potential of the Ivorian and African agricultural markets.
About SARA
SARA is organized by the following ministries:
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources
- Ministry of Water and Forests
- Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development
These ministries play a central role in the preparation and organization of the event, in collaboration with private partners and rural development stakeholders.
Conclusion
SARA has become a biennial event that is essential for the development of agriculture, animal resources, fisheries, and forestry sectors in Côte d’Ivoire and Sub-Saharan Africa. The 2023 edition confirmed its central role in facilitating exchanges, cooperation, and investments in these sectors. The 2025 edition is expected to be another significant step in establishing this exhibition as a reference platform for rural and agricultural development actors.
Organizer
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Côte d’Ivoire plays a crucial role in promoting agriculture and supporting rural development. Its main mission is to ensure food security and enhance the competitiveness of agricultural sectors, while contributing to the country’s economic growth and the well-being of rural populations.
1. Organizational Structure
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is governed by a decree on organization, which defines its operations and role. This decree regulates the activities and responsibilities of the different structures within the ministry. It includes:
- The Minister’s Cabinet: Responsible for managing the political and administrative affairs of the ministry.
- The Code of Ethics and Conduct: Strict rules govern the behavior of ministry staff to ensure transparency, integrity, and efficiency in carrying out their tasks.
2. Subsidiary Structures
The Ministry of Agriculture oversees several subsidiary institutions that actively participate in the organization, development, and management of various agricultural sectors. These structures include:
- The Council of Rubber and Palm Oil: Oversees the rubber and palm oil sectors, which are key agricultural products for the economy.
- The National Agency for Rural Development Support (ANADER): Assists farmers and rural communities in improving their living conditions and developing sustainable agricultural activities.
- The Coffee-Cocoa Council: Manages the coffee and cocoa sectors, two major export products for Côte d’Ivoire.
- The National Rural Professions Program (PNMR): Aims to improve vocational training and skills in rural areas.
- The Interprofessional Fund for Agricultural Research and Advisory Services (FIRCA): Supports agricultural research and advisory services to farmers.
3. National Agricultural Investment Program (PNIA)
The PNIA is a key strategy for the Ministry of Agriculture. This program aims to transform the agricultural sector into a driver of sustainable growth. It is based on several key areas:
- The Agricultural Revival Policy: Focuses on improving productivity, modernizing agriculture, and strengthening the capacity of producers.
- PNIA Financing: Financial mechanisms have been put in place to support innovation and investment in agricultural infrastructure and mechanization.
- PNIA Projects: Various projects are being implemented to support agricultural production, improve rural infrastructure, and ensure better marketing of agricultural products.
4. The Agricultural Legal Framework
The Ministry is also responsible for implementing laws and regulations to govern agricultural and land activities:
- The Agricultural Orientation Law (LOACI): Defines the main directions of the country’s agricultural policy.
- The Rural Land Law: Regulates land acquisition and management in rural areas, a key aspect for Ivorian farmers.
- The OHADA Uniform Act on Cooperative Societies: Governs the creation and functioning of agricultural cooperatives in West Africa.
5. Reforms and Strategies
The Ministry is involved in several sectoral reforms to improve the competitiveness of agricultural value chains:
- The Reform of the Coffee and Cocoa Sectors: The goal is to modernize these sectors to ensure stable income for producers while improving the quality of the products.
- The Reform of the Cotton and Cashew Sectors: Cotton and cashew are key agricultural products in Côte d’Ivoire, and efforts are being made to improve their production and processing.
6. Regional and Departmental Directorates
To ensure decentralized management and better addressing of local issues, the Ministry has regional and departmental directorates that implement agricultural policies on the ground.
7. The Ministry’s Agenda
The Ministry actively participates in national and international events to promote Ivorian agriculture:
- International Agricultural Show in Paris: Côte d’Ivoire participates to showcase its agricultural products.
- National Days for the Valorization of Agriculture (JNVA): These days highlight the successes and challenges of Ivorian agriculture.
8. The Minister
The Ministry is headed by Mr. KOBENAN Kouassi Adjoumani, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Under his leadership, the Ministry works to modernize agriculture, support farmers, and improve the competitiveness of the sector.
9. International Cooperation
The Ministry maintains cooperative relations with several countries and international institutions to support agricultural reforms and promote investment in the sector. Notable cooperation exists with countries such as South Africa, especially within the framework of the South-South Cooperation Forum.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Côte d’Ivoire plays a central role in structuring the agricultural sector, improving rural living conditions, and promoting Côte d’Ivoire as an agricultural leader in Africa. Through the PNIA, sectoral reforms, and development projects, it strives to modernize agriculture and address the challenges of climate change, food security, and social inclusivity.
