Launched on July 24, 2026, in Ahouakro by the Association of Natural Rubber Professionals of Côte d'Ivoire (APROMAC), the construction of the Academy of Rubber Trades opens a new stage of development in this sector. This training center aims to provide the sector with a qualified workforce to support the growth of the natural rubber industry. The initiative responds to the growing needs of processing companies, while promoting the professional integration of young people and women. According to the Hevea Palm Oil Council, Ivory Coast remains the leading African producer of natural rubber. The sector brings together more than 200,000 planters and directly or indirectly supports nearly a million people. Rubber tree today constitutes the country's second source of agricultural export revenue after cocoa. Statistics from FAO and APROMAC indicate that national production regularly exceeds 1.5 million tonnes of natural rubber per year, confirming the country's strategic place in the global market. rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Academy of Rubber Professions will have the mission of training tappers, technicians, maintenance workers and industrial process specialists. The lessons will also focus on good agricultural practices, product quality, safety at work and traceability requirements which have become essential with the gradual entry into force of the European regulation on deforestation. This increase in skills should allow companies to have qualified personnel capable of improving yields, reducing losses and strengthening the quality of locally processed rubber. Beyond training, this academy is part of the national strategy for the local valorization of agricultural raw materials. By developing technical skills, the sector intends to increase industrial transformation, create more qualified jobs and strengthen the attractiveness of Côte d'Ivoire to investors.

For APROMAC, the development of the sector can no longer be based solely on increasing production. Competitiveness will now require the qualification of human resources and adaptation to international standards. This orientation should allow Côte d'Ivoire to consolidate its position as the African leader in natural rubber while strengthening its weight on the global market.