Corus and Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire Launch Initiative to Strengthen Agricultural Cooperatives in West Africa
Adzopé, Côte d'Ivoire, April 7, 2026 — Corus International and Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire announced the launch of a new 15-month initiative to strengthen agricultural producer cooperatives and expand access to finance for farmers across Côte d’Ivoire and Togo. The agreement was signed at the heart of the Yakassé-Attobrou (CAYAT) agricultural cooperative, bringing the initiative closer to the farmers it serves, at a time when cocoa sector instability is placing unprecedented pressure on smallholder farmers, particularly women.
The new program, which begins on May 1, 2026, will enhance the productivity, resilience, and financial readiness of cooperatives working in the cocoa, cashew, and food crop value chains. Women and youth remain priority programming targets, reflecting structural gaps in land ownership, credit access, and leadership representation.
By pairing Ecobank’s tailored agricultural loan products with training led by Corus organization Lutheran World Relief in regenerative agricultural practices, cooperative governance, and women’s leadership, the initiative will ensure that increased access to credit translates into real protection against income shocks rather than heightened vulnerability. In addition, Corus will support cooperatives to improve financial literacy and meet export‑certification requirements. The project will employ Lutheran World Relief’s Producer Enterprise Agent model, through which community‑based agricultural extension service providers will be trained, expanding the reach and sustainability of the program’s technical support.
“This partnership reinforces Ecobank’s commitment to supporting agricultural value chains through tailored financial products and stronger local capacity,” said Paul Harry Aithnard, Managing Director of Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire & Executive Director WAEMU. “By bringing together Ecobank’s financial expertise with Corus International’s deep experience in agricultural development, we are jointly investing in more resilient and bankable cooperatives.”
Mahmoud Bah, Chief Operating Officer of Corus International, added: “Agricultural cooperatives are the economic backbone of many communities in West Africa. By joining forces with Ecobank, we can provide greater financial stability to farmer organizations 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.”
Awa Traoré, Chief Executive Officer of the CAYAT cooperative, stated: “This is a first for us, and it brings a great deal of hope. Today, people must be placed at the center of agricultural business. Our ambition is clear: to improve the well-being of producers, restore the value of Ivorian agriculture, and make it a true engine of national economic growth. This partnership sends a strong signal — committed partners believe in women, in our youth, and are ready to support us in turning this vision into reality.”
Success will be measured not only by the number of cooperatives supported but by whether farmers, especially women, are able to maintain stable incomes, avoid distress sales, and grow their agribusinesses despite ongoing market volatility.
About Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire
Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire is the Ivorian subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, which operates in 34 countries across Africa. As a major financial player in the country, the bank supports businesses, institutions and individuals through a comprehensive range of digital, transactional and financial solutions. The bank has a specialized Agribusiness Desk, responsible for supporting agricultural stakeholders, structuring cooperatives, facilitating their access to financing and strengthening the country’s strategic value chains. This facility mobilizes tools dedicated to financing agricultural campaigns, risk management, support for farmers’ organizations and improving traceability and compliance in the sectors.
About Corus International
Corus International is a social impact organization that unites an array of nonprofits and businesses, each with specialized expertise — from health to technology to economic development to emergency response. Alongside communities and local partners in fragile settings, the expert teams at Corus integrate disciplines, approaches and resources to overcome poverty and suffering for those living in the world’s toughest and most difficult circumstances.
Lutheran World Relief leads rural economic development programming at Corus. Founded in 1945, Lutheran World Relief, works across Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East collaborating with local partners to grow inclusive and resilient rural economies, reduce poverty, and respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Its reach and capabilities are amplified by the other global leaders in the Corus family, including IMA World Health, CGA Technologies and Ground Up Investing. Together, they bring the multi-dimensional, holistic solutions needed to truly achieve lasting change.
About CAYAT
Founded on October 19, 2010, the Yakassé-Attobrou Agricultural Cooperative (CAYAT), led by Chief Executive Officer Awa Traoré, specializes in the production and marketing of cocoa and coffee. From an initial 283 members, the cooperative has grown to 3,318 producers today, including 12% women, with an annual certified production (Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, Organic and 4C) exceeding 8,200 tons.
CAYAT supports farmers through targeted awareness and technical assistance programs focused on sustainable agricultural practices, crop diversification, and productivity improvement. The cooperative also implements social initiatives addressing education, health, and child protection, through prevention campaigns, community training, and support programs. In addition, CAYAT operates Radio CAYAT, designed as the “voice of the producer,” broadcasting content on health, environment, agribusiness, and the promotion of women’s leadership within local communities. Through this integrated approach, CAYAT contributes to building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
Media Contacts
Lauren Bauer, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, Corus
Coriet Adou, Communication Manager, Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire
