Côte d’Ivoire includes kola nuts in new commodities exchange aiming to revive the sector
The aim of including kola nuts in the exchange is to introduce transparency and structure to a sector that was previously dominated by informal practices.
CÔTE D’IVOIRE – Côte d’Ivoire has made a significant advancement by launching a new market structure called the Agricultural Commodities Exchange (BMPA) which listed three agricultural products: cashew nuts, corn, and kola nuts.
During the first trading session, kola nuts were sold for 1,000 CFA (US$1.74) per kilogram, while cashew nuts and corn were traded at 440 CFA (US$0.77) and 220 CFA (US$0.38), respectively.
With the launch of the BMPA, Ivorian authorities hope to better organize the listed agricultural sectors by ensuring transparent pricing, improved access to financing, and enhanced integration into national and international markets.
The kola nut is deeply entrenched in Ivorian culture, used in ceremonies and rituals, and symbolizes hospitality. Before the BMPA was established, the sector was largely informal, characterized by price volatility and a lack of visibility for producers.
Data from the TRIDGE platform, which specializes in agricultural business intelligence and food trade, indicates that Ivorian kola nut production declined by an average of 1.88% per year between 2010 and 2022, dropping from 67,000 tonnes to 58,640 tonnes, representing a total decline of 12.5% over the period.
The export segment has also faced challenges. Data from the Customs Directorate shows that the volume of kola nuts exported fell by 21.2%, totaling 23,000 tonnes in 2023.
Revenue generated from this sector likewise declined to 1.5 billion CFA francs (US$2.6 million) in 2023, a decrease of 16.7% compared to the previous year.
The decline in the kola nut sector can be attributed to an outdated production system that relies on the harvesting of spontaneous trees scattered throughout forests, as well as coffee and cocoa plantations.
Additionally, the industry faces intense pest pressures, aging orchards, and the loss of forested areas.
To address these shortcomings and rejuvenate the industry, the National Centre for Agricultural Research (CNRA) is advocating for comprehensive modernization.
This includes adopting improved varieties, developing suitable technical guidelines, and utilizing high-yielding plant materials that are resistant to major pests.
The African kola nut market is currently experiencing growth. According to a study published in April 2025 by Cognitive Market Research, the market value rose from US$41.28 million in 2021 to US$45.93 million in 2025, reflecting an 11% growth over four years.
Projections indicate an average annual increase of 2.72% over the next eight years, potentially reaching a market value of US$56.93 million by 2033.
Within Africa, South Africa leads demand with a 34.8% market share, followed by Nigeria with 25.3%, which is Côte d’Ivoire’s primary market. This regional dynamic could thus serve as a significant driver for the development of the Ivorian kola nut sector.
Globally, Cognitive Market Research estimates that the kola nut market will reach US$119 million by 2025, with an anticipated average annual growth rate of 3.3% through 2033.
Various observers point to the expected growth in the coming years as being influenced by the diversification of kola nut uses, which has applications in energy drinks, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and traditional medicine.
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