Canadian poultry company Westco to explore operations in Côte d’Ivoire

COTE D’IVOIRE – Canadian poultry company Westco is planning to enter the Ivorian market, with the goal of participating in the country’s poultry industry expansion.

The announcement was made public through a press release issued by Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries on May 25.

It followed a meeting between Assoumany Gouromenan, the ministry’s chief of staff, and a group of Canadian business representatives, including Westco, during the 7th Abidjan International Agriculture and Animal Resources Show (SARA).

The exhibition, which began on May 23 and runs until June 1, 2025, has drawn international interest in Côte d’Ivoire’s agricultural and livestock sectors.

Although Westco has yet to provide specific details about its planned operations or investments, the ministry described the company’s intent as aligned with national development goals for poultry production.

Côte d’Ivoire aims to more than double its annual chicken meat output from 97,000 tonnes to 200,000 tonnes by 2030 under its poultry production strategy.

This target reflects the government’s effort to meet rising domestic consumption while reducing reliance on imports.

Market Attractiveness for Foreign Firms

Westco’s interest is partly driven by the growth trajectory of Côte d’Ivoire’s poultry market, which is increasingly seen as a commercial opportunity for international investors.

According to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Ivorian poultry market was valued at approximately US$500 million in 2022 and accounted for one-third of the country’s total meat product sales, which stood at US$1.5 billion.

By 2027, the poultry sector is expected to reach around US$700 million, representing a projected 40% increase over five years due to strong consumer demand.

While the government is pursuing ambitious production targets, the sector still faces a gap between supply and local demand.

Estimates show the value of the poultry industry in Côte d’Ivoire at around US$430 million, with domestic output forecast to hit 67,000 metric tonnes by 2028.

Despite the shortfall, the industry has been experiencing steady growth, with poultry production increasing at an average annual rate of 2.9% since 1966.

More broadly, the overall meat market in the country is projected to expand to US$2.2 billion by 2027, up from US$1.5 billion in 2022, signaling continued opportunities for companies looking to establish a local presence.

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