Côte d’Ivoire’s poultry sector is one of West Africa’s fastest-growing industries — and it’s opening the door to circular, sustainable business opportunities for Dutch investors.
cassava mash and organic fertilizer
A Booming Market, Under Pressure
Since a 2005 import levy on frozen poultry, domestic production has surged: 97,000 tonnes of poultry meat and 1.68 billion eggs a year, reaching 90% self-sufficiency (IPRAVI). But producers remain dependent on costly imported maize and soy, while growing volumes of poultry manure are causing soil degradation and pollution. That gap is where the opportunity lies.
A follow-up study commissioned by NFP (following earlier work by the Dutch embassy in Abidjan, NFP, and RVO, reported in Agroberichten 2025) identifies two investable circular business cases.
1. Cassava Mash: A Local Alternative to Maize
Côte d’Ivoire generates 1.25 million tonnes of cassava peels yearly, but only 10–20% is converted into High-Quality Cassava Peels (HQCP). Fine mash (12% moisture, shelf-stable 4–6 months via an ILRI-validated method) can replace up to 28% of maize in broiler feed and 25% in layer feed — directly cutting feed costs. Feed millers are already seeking reliable large-volume suppliers.
2. “Brown Gold”: Manure into Premium Fertilizer
Ivorian farms produce 500,000+ tonnes of manure a year, mostly dumped or mismanaged. Composted, hygienized, and pelletized, it becomes a high-value organic fertilizer (NPK 3-3-3 or 4-3-3) — cheaper than imported chemical fertilizer and in demand from horticultural buyers.
Pilot Projects: The Entry Point
• HQCP Mash Pilot — 50 tonnes target; partners FOANI and De Heus.
• Organic Fertilizer Pilot — 5–10 tonnes target; partners FOANI, BioAni, LONO
Join the Circular Transition
For Dutch business owners looking for agribusiness opportunities with real growth potential and a strong sustainability angle, now is the time to get involved. Read the full presentation and report, and get in touch to explore how you can help scale circular solutions in West Africa
"If you are interested in collaborating on these circular solutions in West Africa, join our upcoming webinar with NABC on 25 August to learn more and connect with the team."
For more information:
NFP: Wim goris (wgoris@nlfoodpartnership.com)
Embassy of NL in Cote d'Ivoire: Yannick Adou (yannick.adou@minbuza.nl)