The Regional Office of the Office d'aide à la commercialisation des produits vivriers (OCPV) in Bondoukou organized a sensitization mission on the digitalization of prior export authorization (APE) for food products in Bouna on September 18, 2026. The mission, led by Dié Offey, aimed to inform and sensitize administrative authorities, traders, and other stakeholders on the new process of APE delivery. The meeting, held at the prefecture, discussed regulations and laws governing the export of food products.
The mission covered several key regulations, including the ordinance on competition, a decree instituting prior export authorization for food products, and an interministerial order fixing fees for commercialization permits. Participants were also informed about a recent directive supporting the prefectural corps in the digitalization of APE. The goal of these efforts is to improve the export process for food products in the Bounkani region.
The digitalization of APE allows exporters in Bounkani to complete the authorization process using their mobile phones, eliminating the need to travel to Abidjan or the OCPV office in Bondoukou. This innovation aims to reduce travel, processing time, and costs associated with export formalities. It also seeks to increase transparency and limit the risks of fraud and unofficial fees in export operations.
The sensitization mission was attended by various stakeholders, including administrative authorities, traders, and other actors in the food product commercialization chain. The meeting was chaired by Loukou Eric Kouamé, secretary general of the prefecture, representing the regional prefect. The discussions highlighted the importance of adapting to the new digital process for export authorization.
In addition to the sensitization mission, the OCPV distributed balances and scales to traders in the Bouna and Doropo departments. This equipment aims to improve the reliability of weighing operations and enhance the conditions for commercializing food products in the region. The distribution of these tools is expected to support the growth of the local economy.
The digitalization of export authorization is part of Côte d'Ivoire's efforts to modernize its trade processes and improve the business environment. By simplifying and streamlining export procedures, the government aims to increase the competitiveness of Ivorian products on the international market and boost economic growth.
The OCPV's initiative has been welcomed by stakeholders in the Bounkani region, who see it as an opportunity to improve their operations and increase their exports. The digitalization of APE is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and contribute to the country's economic development.
Key points
- The OCPV's mission promoted the digitalization of prior export authorization for food products in the Bounkani region.
- The digitalization of APE aims to reduce travel, processing time, and costs associated with export formalities.
- The OCPV distributed balances and scales to traders to improve the reliability of weighing operations.
