Côte d'Ivoire Senate Adopts Animal Genetic Improvement Law

The Côte d'Ivoire Senate adopted a law on animal genetic improvement on November 10, 2026, in Yamoussoukro. The law, which regulates practices in this sector, aims to increase livestock productivity and ensure food security. The bill was examined by the Commission de la recherche, de la science, de la technologie et de l’environnement (CRSTE).

The law provides a regulatory framework for animal genetic improvement practices, currently exercised without control, particularly by specialists from neighboring countries. It aims to improve the performance and quality of raised animal breeds while preserving local genetic resources and strengthening food security.

Côte d'Ivoire's national meat and offal production was 213,000 tonnes in 2023, covering only 48% of national needs. The country also faces a significant deficit in fish products, with a production of 92,000 tonnes against an estimated demand of 750,000 tonnes. This deficit leads to imports of meat, fish, milk, and dairy products, resulting in over 400 billion FCFA in foreign exchange outflows annually.

The adopted text consists of 43 articles divided into seven chapters. It covers the general principles of animal genetic improvement, genetic information management, breeding of farm and companion animals, and conditions for importing and exporting breeding animals and genetic material. The law also provides for administrative and criminal sanctions in case of infringement.

The Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, Sidi Tiémoko Touré, emphasized the importance of genetic improvement for livestock development and the country's food sovereignty. He stressed the need to regulate practices to avoid deviations that could compromise animal resources.

This initiative aligns with the objectives set by the President of the Republic for 2030, which include developing livestock, fishing, and aquaculture sectors. Côte d'Ivoire adopted the National Policy for the Development of Livestock, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (PONADEPA 2022-2026) in January 2022, aiming to improve productivity and competitiveness through the use of high genetic potential animals adapted to local conditions.

The law's adoption is expected to contribute to improving the country's food security and reducing its reliance on imported animal products. The government aims to increase the use of high-quality breeding animals and enhance the overall performance of the livestock sector.

Key points

• The law aims to regulate animal genetic improvement practices and increase livestock productivity.
• Côte d'Ivoire faces a significant deficit in animal products, leading to substantial imports.
• The law provides for administrative and criminal sanctions in case of infringement.