Côte d’Ivoire Announces 0% VAT on Animal Feed and Production Inputs for 2026–2027

Côte d’Ivoire plans to reduce value-added tax (VAT) to 0% on animal feed and the inputs used in its production for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, Livestock and Fisheries Minister Sidi Tiémoko Touré announced on Monday.

The announcement was made during the Grands rendez-vous de l’Agence ivoirienne de presse, an event organized by the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP).

The measure aims to lower production costs for livestock farmers and support domestic production. According to the AIP, inputs account for more than 60% of expenditure in the livestock sector.

Animal feed for livestock and poultry, along with certain inputs used in its production, had previously been exempt from VAT.

However, Côte d’Ivoire’s 2026 tax reform removed the exemption, initially subjecting the products concerned to an 18% VAT rate. The rate was subsequently reduced to 9%, effective January 17, 2026, according to information published by the country’s Directorate General of Taxes.

The latest announcement signals a planned return to a zero VAT rate for the products concerned during the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

Feed is a major operating expense for livestock producers. Reducing the tax burden on feed and production inputs could ease financial pressure on farmers, improve their operating margins and support the development of local livestock production.

The measure could also help strengthen domestic supplies of poultry, meat, eggs and other animal products.

However, lower production costs would not automatically translate into lower consumer prices. The impact will depend on market conditions, changes in other production costs and whether businesses pass the tax reduction on to buyers.

Although the minister announced the return to a 0% VAT rate for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, the precise effective date has yet to be confirmed in an official tax notice.

Further clarification from the tax authorities will be needed to establish the implementation date, the products covered and any applicable conditions.

The announcement represents a proposed change in the taxation of livestock feed and related production inputs, with its practical impact depending on effective implementation.