SIFCA

SIFCA was founded in the 1960s and has grown into one of Ivory Coast’s most important private groups. Its activities concentrate on three major crops: palm oil, natural rubber and sugar. Through a set of specialised subsidiaries, the group participates in every stage of the chain, from plantations to processing and export.

The company employs tens of thousands of people and is present not only in Ivory Coast but also in neighbouring markets and in Europe. Some of its subsidiaries are listed on regional and international stock exchanges, which requires a higher standard of reporting, governance and transparency.

SIFCA’s integrated model highlights the advantages and responsibilities that come with scale in agribusiness. Decisions about pricing, wage structures, mill investments and environmental practices have direct social and economic effects in the regions where it operates.

For Bramers clients, SIFCA is a reference for long term agro industrial platforms in Francophone Africa. It offers lessons on when to integrate vertically, how to structure joint ventures and how to balance local development expectations with the requirements of lenders and equity partners.