Ivory Coast: Investing

FDI in Figures

More than a decade of crisis has severely affected the Ivorian economy, which remains the strongest of the Economic Community of West African States and second in the entire West Africa after Nigeria. Ivory Coast remains a preferred destination for foreign investors in the region.

However, during 2011, the unstable political situation and the consequences of armed conflict led to a rapid fall in the FDI influx. France remains the country's main foreign investor, even though China is becoming an increasingly important competitor, since China has made a remarkable entrance into the African continent.

Why You Should Choose to Invest in the Côte d'Ivoire

Strong Points

The country's main strong points are:
- A skilled workforce; and
-  A rich sub-soil and a favorable climate for agriculture.
Ivory Coast is also an important financial area in West Africa.

Weak Points

The country's weak points are:
- Its highly significant debt;
- Political instability;
- Red tape;
- Corruption problems; and
- The poor condition of infrastructures.
Ivory Coast is also one of the least competitive country in the world. In 2009, the country was ranked 110^th over 134 countries, according the World Economic Forum global competitiveness indicator.

Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI

The Ivorian government has established a number of measures to promote foreign investment:
- a one-stop shop for company creation;
- greater investment protection;
- a major works' program for road infrastructures, in particular with the privatization of the Abidjan - Ouagadougou railway line.

In the face of the economic development challenge, Ivory Coast has committed itself to making the private sector the growth driver in the coming years. Consequently, the authorities have recently established substantial tax reliefs in order to create permanent revival conditions in the private sector. Despite these measures, the private sector considers company taxation still to be restrictive and that the business climate remains unfavorable to investment. For more information, refer to the African Economic Outlook website

Bilateral Investment Conventions Signed By the Côte d'Ivoire

Further information on Investing in the Franc Zone.

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment

Investment is completely free for a foreigner, there are no restrictions. Foreign investors are treated as locals.

Acquisition of Holdings

A majority holding interest in the capital of a local company is legal in Côte d'Ivoire.

Obligation to Declare

The agency for the promotion of foreign investment in the country provides information on the authorizations required for setting up a business.

Competent Organization For the Declaration

The Center for the Promotion of Investment in Côte d'Ivoire (CEPICI) gives information about the authorizations required.

Requests For Specific Authorizations

The Center for the Promotion of Investment in Côte d'Ivoire gives information about the authorizations required (in French).

Investment Opportunities

Investment Aid Agency

Guide to Establishment in Côte d'Ivoire
Investing in the Franc zone (in French)

Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement

DgMarket, Tenders Worldwide

Other Useful Resources

Ministry of the Economy and Finance

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