A historic commitment for the Ivorian banana sector

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – October 15, 2024

From September 24 to 26, 2024, the Ivorian banana sector experienced a pivotal moment with a major event organized around the themes of shared responsibility and living wages. This event brought together all key stakeholders in the value chain: workers and unions (represented by FETBACI and IUF), producers (represented by OBAMCI, OCAB and all major production companies), European retailers (Lidl France and Tesco UK), as well as Ivorian and international public authorities.

This initiative aligned with the adoption of the European corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CS3D) and the recent ILO decision on living wages. The goal was to transform these legal obligations into opportunities for collaboration and progress for the entire sector.

The three-day event alternated between field visits and in-room sessions, allowing participants to observe the modern and sustainable agricultural practices implemented in Ivorian banana plantations, as well as the efforts made by producers to provide workers with medical services, education and housing, while engaging in productive discussions on the social and economic challenges facing the sector.

Two major achievements

The signing of the operating charter for the Joint Working Group, tasked with negotiating a branch agreement for the Ivorian banana industry within two years. This agreement marks a major step forward in strengthening social dialogue between workers and employers.

The launch of the declaration of intent, which lays the foundations for a framework for cooperation between the upstream and downstream parts of the sector on the fundamental issues: living wage, decent working and living conditions, decent price and shared responsibility.

Crucial support from public authorities

The event was marked by several important speeches, including that of Mr Guy Serge EKPO, Director General of Labor Regulations, on behalf of the Minister of Employment and Social Protection, reaffirming the government’s support for initiatives promoting decent work and social dialogue in the agricultural sector.

Mr Rodrigue N’GUESSAN, Director General of Rural Development, concluded the event on behalf of the Minister of State, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food Production, praising the sector’s efforts and commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable agriculture and cutting-edge technologies

The banana sector in Côte d’Ivoire is at the cutting edge of sustainable farming practices. The horticultural and technical excellence of the teams, combined with the use of drones and biocontrol systems, means that the use of phytosanitary products can be considerably reduced, while guaranteeing high productivity.

Côte d’Ivoire remains a leader in the agro-ecological transition, with a significant reduction in the use of phytosanitary products and an integrated pest management approach.

This event is a key milestone for the Ivorian banana industry, proving once again that a model based on social dialogue and anticipation of international standards is not only possible but also beneficial for all stakeholders.