Côte d’Ivoire has inaugurated the Agricultural Commodities Exchange (BMPA), marking a significant advancement in the modernization of regional trade. This exchange, launched on May 28, 2025, in Abidjan, is the first of its kind in West Africa and French-speaking Africa.
The BMPA aims to replace informal trading practices with a regulated platform, enhancing transparency and efficiency in the agricultural sector. Initially, the exchange will focus on trading raw cashew nuts, cola nuts, and maize—commodities of strategic importance to the national economy. Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s leading producer of both raw cashews and cola nuts, with annual productions exceeding one million tonnes and 250,000 tonnes, respectively.
The exchange operates on a digital platform that ensures secure and transparent transactions. Farmers deliver their produce to certified warehouses near production areas and receive warehouse receipts, which serve as transaction documents on the exchange. This system aims to stabilize seasonal supply fluctuations, particularly for crops like cashews, and provide fairer prices for producers.
The launch of the BMPA is seen as a historic turning point for Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, which heavily relies on agriculture. The sector employs more than 60% of the population and accounts for about 40% of export revenue. By providing a transparent and regulated marketplace, the exchange is expected to improve price transparency, boost production, and promote fair trade, thereby enhancing the incomes of farmers and other stakeholders along the value chain.
The BMPA is built on international models such as the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) in the USA and the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange in China. It features a regulated structure, certified warehouses, and standardized contracts, aiming to modernize and structure the marketing of agricultural products.
The exchange’s swift and promising launch saw 89 tonnes of goods traded in just ten minutes, valued at nearly 31 million CFA francs (approximately €50,000). This initial success underscores the potential impact of the BMPA on the agricultural sector and the broader economy.
The establishment of the BMPA is part of a broader strategy to modernize agriculture and empower local producers through market inclusion and economic resilience. By providing transparent pricing and better access to markets, the exchange aims to reduce dependency on international price-setting hubs and improve farmer incomes.
The BMPA is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening regional value chains and stabilizing food security and price levels. Its success could serve as a model for other countries in the region, promoting economic integration and self-reliance.
As the exchange continues to develop, it is anticipated to expand its offerings to include other agricultural commodities, further enhancing its impact on the regional economy. The BMPA represents a significant step forward in Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to modernize its agricultural sector and integrate more effectively into the global market.
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