BNI: an agreement signed to boost the rice sector

The National Investment Bank (BNI) signed an agreement relating to the establishment of a seed fund dedicated to the rice sector in Côte d'Ivoire, a few days ago. This financial mechanism aims to support actors in the rice value chain, from production to processing, by offering them easier access to the resources necessary to start and consolidate their activities. The rice sector represents a strategic issue for the food sovereignty of Côte d'Ivoire. Despite recognized agricultural potential, the country remains heavily dependent on imports to meet its national consumption. This seed fund follows a logic of substituting imports and promoting local production. By mobilizing dedicated financial resources, the BNI intends to reduce entry barriers for entrepreneurs and investors in the agricultural sector. This initiative illustrates the growing role of public financial institutions in supporting priority agricultural sectors, in addition to State policies aimed at modernizing and structuring Ivorian agriculture.