Italian energy giant Eni, through its subsidiary Eni Natural Energies (ENE), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food Production of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, formally inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 28. The agreement aims to unlock new avenues of collaboration within the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors, with a primary focus on producing vegetable oil for bio-refining purposes.

The signing ceremony, a highlight of the ongoing Salon International de l’Agriculture et des Ressources Animales (SARA) at the Parc des Expositions in Abidjan, saw the presence of key dignitaries, including Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, and the Managing Director of Eni Natural Energies Côte d’Ivoire, Luca Faccenda.

At the core of this ambitious partnership is the mutual commitment to enhance the existing rubber (hevea) supply chain. Côte d’Ivoire is a significant producer of rubber, and this initiative seeks to leverage the abundant residues from rubber cultivation, transforming them into valuable raw materials for biofuel production. This innovative approach promises not only environmental benefits through sustainable energy but also substantial economic and social advantages for thousands of local farmers, providing them with new income streams.

Beyond the optimization of the rubber industry, the MoU also outlines plans to assess the viability of introducing oilseed crops on marginal and degraded lands across the country. This strategic focus ensures that the expansion of agricultural activities for bio-refining will not compete with vital food production or encroach upon existing forest ecosystems. This responsible approach underscores both parties' dedication to sustainable agricultural development, aligning with global best practices for land use and resource management.

Eni’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire dates back to 2015, with the company actively engaged in hydrocarbon exploration and production activities. This dedicated entity is tasked with spearheading the development of sustainable supply chains for agricultural raw materials, specifically for Eni’s growing network of biorefineries.

This comprehensive initiative is an integral part of Eni’s overarching strategy for sustainable mobility. It also reflects the company’s broader commitment to fostering fair and inclusive growth in the regions where it operates, aligning seamlessly with the objectives outlined in Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan. The collaboration between Eni and the Ivorian Ministry of Agriculture is poised to serve as a model for how international partnerships can drive economic progress, environmental stewardship, and social upliftment simultaneously, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Côte d’Ivoire.