UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire Robert Beugré Mambé have officially inaugurated a UAE-backed cashew processing factory in Boundiali, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries.
A Major UAE Investment in West African Agriculture
The new facility in Boundiali belongs to Pan African Agro Commodities Holding Limited (PAACH), an entity incorporated in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The 50,000-tonne warehouse spans 10 hectares and was developed at a cost of 15 billion CFA francs (approximately USD 24.9 million).
With a daily capacity of 100 metric tonnes of cashew processing, the factory is projected to create 500 direct and 3,500 indirect employment opportunities — a meaningful boost to Côte d'Ivoire's supply chain.
Côte d'Ivoire: A Global Cashew Powerhouse
Côte d'Ivoire ranks among the five largest cashew-exporting countries in the world. Cashews are the country's second-most exported product, contributing 9 percent to its Gross Domestic Product. The new processing facility directly supports the nation's goal of adding more value to its raw cashew production domestically rather than exporting unprocessed nuts.
What Officials Said at the Inauguration
Speaking at the launch, Al Zeyoudi underscored the UAE's strategic interest in West Africa and said the facility would contribute to improving Côte d'Ivoire's economy. He described the factory as a blueprint for further UAE investment in the country, noting that Côte d'Ivoire's dynamic economy is implementing bold policies for structural and sustainable growth.
Abdul Jabbar Al Sayegh, Chairman of PAACH, echoed that sentiment, describing the factory as both an investment and a symbol of the relationship between the UAE and the West African nation.
"This factory is a strong outcome of the bilateral relations' potential for Ivorian market that demonstrates more commitment to promoting the improvement of the overall economy, growth and development," Al Sayegh said.
Broader Bilateral Agenda
On the sidelines of the inauguration, Al Zeyoudi held meetings with Prime Minister Mambé and other ministers to explore opportunities for private sector partnership. The discussions covered food production and processing, agriculture, manufacturing, and transport — sectors where both countries see potential for deeper cooperation.
The cashew factory inauguration signals that the UAE-Côte d'Ivoire relationship is moving well beyond trade into hands-on investment in productive capacity on the ground in West Africa.
