Trade: What future for alcoholic energy drinks in Côte d’Ivoire?

What will be the new fate of alcoholic energy drinks in Côte d’Ivoire after the suspension period? As a reminder, the Ivorian government announced at the beginning of October 2023 the suspension of the importation and sale of alcoholic energy drinks throughout the country, until December 31, 2023.

According to the Ivorian government, this decision aimed to preserve public health, especially during the festive season, in response to the increased consumption of these drinks combined with substances such as tramadol or the new drug called Kadhafi.

However, this measure sparked criticism among the Ivorian population and in the press.

Many considered the decision unfair and biased in favor of the competition, as highly harmful drugs that pose a real danger to public health continue to circulate openly in the country, to the detriment of beverages produced in compliance with required standards.

Moreover, other competing companies plan to introduce drinks with similar characteristics to the market.

With the official suspension period ending on December 31, 2023, sellers who had made it their income-generating activity and consumers, especially the youth who favored these drinks, are now questioning the lifting of the suspension and the return of these highly popular beverages to the Ivorian market.

The lingering question is whether Ivorian authorities will allow the companies that had dutifully accepted the decision to resume their activities.

Manu SORO