BOLDEN African News · Friday 6 November 2026
Ivorian senators back a US$322.5 million MCC energy compact and a 9% VAT rate on farm products
The Senate's economic and finance committee approved three bills presented by finance minister Adama Coulibaly in Yamoussoukro on 6 November. They create the body to run a US$322.5 million (about 180 billion FCFA) regional energy compact with the US Millennium Challenge Corporation for electricity trade in West Africa, set a 9% VAT rate instead of 18% on agricultural and poultry products and inputs, and redirect part of a refining-support tax to power investment. The bills still need further parliamentary steps.
Why it matters
Cheaper farm inputs and grant money for cross-border power both feed directly into costs for Ivorian producers.
Source: KOACI · 6 November 2026