Category: Uncategorized

Sonata Agri receives the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Certification: A Milestone in Trade Efficiency

We are proud to announce that Sonata Agri International Limited has been officially recognized by the Nigeria Customs Service as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) under the Customs Simplification Category. This certification, issued on December 1, 2025, underscores our commitment to compliance with the highest standards of customs procedures, supply chain security, and trade facilitation requirements as prescribed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

The AEO status is a globally recognized standard that signifies trust and reliability in international trade. For Sonata Agri, this achievement translates into significant operational advantages that will benefit our partners and customers.

 

Key Benefits of AEO Certification

• Faster Customs Clearance and reduced cargo release time by 50%, ensuring quicker delivery and improved turnaround.
• Fewer physical inspections and priority treatment for documentation and inspections, minimizing delays.
• Pre-arrival clearance, simplified customs procedures and potential use of commercial records instead of traditional paperwork for frequent importers/exporters.
• Lower Compliance Costs, improved Predictability, enhanced efficiency in supply chain operations, reduced administrative burden, and greater certainty in trade timelines.

 

This certification positions Sonata Agri as a trusted partner in global trade, enabling us to deliver faster, more reliable services while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance. It reflects our dedication to innovation and efficiency in every aspect of our operations.

We thank the Nigeria Customs Service for this recognition and look forward to leveraging these benefits to serve our customers better. Together, we are shaping a more efficient and secure future for international trade.

Sonata Empowers Zuénoula with New Telecom Tower: A Milestone in Rural Connectivity

Sonata Agri International marked a major milestone in its commitment to community development and digital inclusion with the inauguration of a new telecommunications tower at its agro-industrial site in Zuénoula in Côte d’Ivoire.

This initiative aims to address long-standing connectivity challenges that have affected both the company’s operations and the surrounding rural communities. Prior to the installation, residents faced weak mobile signals, frequent network outages, and limited access to mobile internet. These barriers hindered communication and the adoption of digital tools in agriculture.

“This 30-meter-high antenna provides 3G and 4G coverage within a 5 km radius. Thanks to solar energy and a dedicated generator, it guarantees continuous service availability, even in the event of a power outage,” said Nomel Guy Martin, company’s IT project manager. He highlighted the concrete improvements including full 4G coverage now available even in offices, where previously, making a call required stepping outside the building.

Designed to serve over 2,000 people across several villages in the Zuénoula sub-prefecture, the tower is equipped with advanced technology to enhance call quality, internet speed, and access to digital services. This project was made possible through a strategic partnership with a mobile network operator and the proactive involvement of Sonata Agri International, which provided the site, facilitated logistics, and collaborated closely with telecom engineers.
Sonata’s Managing Director, Mr. Sunil Bakshi, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative: “The world has changed. Today, someone in Zuénoula can earn a degree from an American university without leaving their village. This tower is a gateway to opportunity for young people, families, and workers to be connected, informed, and integrated into the digital world.”

The inauguration ceremony was attended by local administrative and customary authorities, including Mr. Ziza Kazoro, Chief of Staff and representative of the Prefect of Zuénoula, who commended Sonata’s leadership in driving this impactful CSR initiative.

Sonata Agri International located in Drikohaïfla 2, has been operational since 2020. With a workforce of 1,400 people, 90% of whom are women, the company specializes in semi-finished cashew nut processing and maintains a daily production capacity of 90 tons.

This telecom tower stands as a testament to Sonata’s dedication to sustainable development, digital empowerment, and inclusive growth in the communities it serves.