Alkagesta Explores West African Petroleum Opportunities

Alkagesta, a trading firm, recently undertook a strategic business trip to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to advance its growth strategy in West Africa. The visit, which occurred on 19 February 2026, involved an executive delegation from Alkagesta and its steel trading joint venture, Alkavex, with Navex SAS.

The delegation included Alkagesta Board Member Pierre Gay, Alkagesta CEO Orkhan Rustamov, Alkavex CEO Jean-Pierre Artigala, Alkavex CFO Sylvain Artigala, and Alkavex Deputy CEO Nijat Osmanli. Their presence underscored the regional importance for the group's expansion initiatives.

During their visit, the executives toured the Port of Abidjan, a significant logistics hub in West Africa. They also engaged with several steel mills located in the Yopougon Industrial Zone, a key manufacturing area within the country.

In addition to these activities, the trip dedicated time to investigating potential areas for cooperation within the petroleum industry. This aligns with Alkagesta's expanding portfolio, which now encompasses petroleum products, fertilisers, and biofuels.

Côte d'Ivoire was identified as a promising market due to its consistent economic growth, averaging approximately 6-7% annual GDP growth over the past decade. The country's dynamic population, exceeding 28 million, supports increasing domestic demand, infrastructure development, and industrial activity.

Abidjan serves as a vital commercial gateway for the West African region, reinforcing its strategic appeal for international partnerships and long-term investment. The company expressed a commitment to fostering sustainable collaborations through a strong local presence, aiming to understand operational realities and identify optimisation opportunities.

Alkagesta views Côte d'Ivoire as a key market for its sustainable expansion vision in West Africa, particularly as its portfolio diversifies to include various energy and commodity products.

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