Côte d’Ivoire restricts exports of food staples

Rice, tomatoes and peppers are among the food staples Côte d’Ivoire will not export for six months.

Government officials have announced a ban on the shipment of 20 foodstuffs, effective from 15 January.

In a statement, the country’s government said it had introduced the restrictions “in order to guarantee the food security of the populations living in Côte d’Ivoire”.

Staples also subject to the order include corn, chilli powder and sorghum – a nutrient-rich cereal grain.

Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest exporter of cocoa, which does not feature on the list.

The order was signed by the country’s ministers of finance, commerce and agriculture.

Last year, the government implemented a ban on rice and sugar exports from September to December.

According to the FAO, the agriculture industry contributes to 27% of Côte d’Ivoire’s GDP.

The country is hosting the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament.

Earlier this month, the IMF said it expects the west African nation’s real GDP to grow by 6.6% this year.

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