Autonomous District of Lakes

The Autonomous District of Lakes, whose capital is Dimbokro, the former capital of the cocoa loop, includes the N’zi, Bélier and Iffou regions. The Autonomous District of Lakes is located in the centre-east of Côte d’Ivoire, with a predominantly peasant population. It is dotted with agricultural regions par excellence, making it a promising centre for investment.

Dimbokro, the capital of the District, birthplace of the Head of State, Alassane Ouattara, and reggae singer Alpha Blondy, is the former capital of the cocoa loop. It lies at the heart of a region populated by Agnis and Baoulés. It is the capital of the N’Zi region and has a population of around 180,000. Its history is marked by the arrival of the railway in 1910 and the plantation economy, particularly cocoa, which was at the root of its prosperity and then its decline.

The region’s natural products – yams, kola nuts (now renowned for their distinctive flavour) and kapock – were better exploited, providing the local people with new resources.

Finally, around 1920, improved communications encouraged the planting of a new crop, cocoa, whose products were destined for export. So much so that the department gradually became one of the country’s largest cocoa producers, and Dimbokro the capital of what is known as the “cocoa loop”.

In fact, the small administrative post quickly became a major cocoa marketing hub, with import-export activities.