Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire & Corus International Partner to Empower West African Agricultural Cooperatives
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire adn Corus international have formalized a strategic partnership designed to significantly bolster the agricultural sector in West Africa, starting with Côte d’Ivoire. This collaboration, cemented by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to provide crucial support to agricultural cooperatives, fostering their growth, stability, and access to vital financial resources.
The initiative will begin with supporting approximately 50 cooperatives over the next 12 months, with an ambitious scale-up to 300 cooperatives thereafter, directly aligning with the commitments outlined in the MOU. This represents a ample investment in the economic backbone of many West African communities.
Addressing a Critical Need: Strengthening Farmer Organizations
Agricultural cooperatives play a pivotal role in driving economic development and food security across West Africa. However, these organizations often face significant challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of professionalization. This partnership directly addresses these hurdles by combining the strengths of two leading organizations.
“This collaboration establishes a structured framework to help agricultural cooperatives strengthen their professionalism, stability and access to opportunities,” explains Paul-Harry Aithnard, Managing Director of Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire and Regional Executive for the UEMOA zone. ”By combining the field expertise of Corus International with the operational capacity of Ecobank’s Agribusiness Desk, we aim to build solutions adapted to farmers’ realities, at the heart of the value chains that sustain our territories. Our shared ambition is to reinforce these essential actors and accelerate lasting local value creation.”
Corus International brings decades of experience in community-led development and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. Mahmoud BAH, Chief Operating Officer of Corus International, emphasizes the importance of this partnership: “Agricultural cooperatives are the economic backbone of many communities in West Africa. By joining forces with Ecobank, we can amplify our action, provide greater financial stability to farmer organisations, and help them access tools that strengthen their autonomy. This partnership creates a vital bridge between community-level development and the financial solutions needed to transform agricultural value chains.”
A Commitment to Transparency, Compliance & Sustainable Practices
Beyond financial support and capacity building, the partnership prioritizes responsible and ethical operations. The MOU formalizes a mutual commitment to operate under stringent transparency and compliance standards, as detailed in a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed in September 2025. This includes robust data protection protocols, adherence to anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing regulations, and alignment with Ecobank’s comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and responsible value-chain principles. This dedication to ethical practices builds trust and ensures long-term sustainability.
Ecobank Côte d’ivoire: A Dedicated Partner to Agribusiness
Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire, a subsidiary of the pan-African Ecobank Group (operating in 34 countries), has established itself as a key financial partner for the agricultural sector. Its dedicated Agribusiness Desk provides a comprehensive suite of services, including:
* Structured Financing: Tailored financial solutions to support agricultural campaigns and investment.
* Risk Management: Tools and strategies to mitigate risks associated with agricultural production.
* Cooperative structuring: Expert guidance in establishing and strengthening cooperative governance and operations.
* Value Chain Enhancement: Facilitating access to markets and improving traceability and compliance throughout the agricultural value chain.
Ecobank’s commitment extends beyond simply providing capital; it’s about building resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystems.
Corus International: Holistic Solutions for Lasting Impact
Corus International, uniting a network of nonprofits and businesses, offers a holistic approach to development. Lutheran world Relief, a core component of Corus, has a long-standing history of empowering rural communities. Founded in 1945, Lutheran World Relief works across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East, focusing on:
* Rural economic Development: Building inclusive and resilient rural economies.
* Poverty Reduction: Addressing the root causes of poverty and empowering communities to thrive.
* Humanitarian Response: Providing critical assistance in times of crisis.
Through collaboration with organizations like IMA World Health, CGA Technologies, and Ground Up Investing, Corus delivers multi-dimensional solutions that address the complex challenges facing agricultural communities.
Looking Ahead: A Future of sustainable Growth
This partnership between Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire and Corus International represents a significant step towards unlocking the full potential of west African agriculture. By empowering cooperatives with the financial resources, technical expertise, and ethical framework they need to succeed, this initiative promises to drive
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