A strategic geographical positioning, stable political atmosphere, competitive tax system, and an overall liberal economic system allow businesses to diversify and expand their growth prospects. Côte d’Ivoire’s consumer base is constituted of a median age group of 20.3 years, providing businesses with the opportunity to serve a rather young population.
Côte d’Ivoire offers a robust business environment with various opportunities for market players to explore. The country ranks second in West Africa in the Ease of Doing Business Index, thanks to a range of business-friendly regulations that have been implemented in the past few years.
Investment Opportunities
Between 2012 to 2018, the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flow in Côte d’Ivoire increased by 176%. The 2030 Strategic Plan and the National Development Plan 2021–2025 introduced by the Ivorian government have prepared the groundwork for investment opportunities. The lack of processing units and increasing import dependence have created a plethora of opportunities for investors and manufacturers.
Côte d’Ivoire, being agriculturally strong, has the potential to pay massive returns on these investments as the focus on strengthening food security continues to expand. While the agriculture and agro-processing sector continue to hold crucial interest from the investment perspective, large scale structural reforms are continuously implemented to enhance the local value chain.
Reasons to Invest in Côte d’Ivoire
Reason 1
Excellent Economy:
Côte d’Ivoire’s economy excels due to its outstanding agricultural sector.
- Agriculture sector share in GDP: 25%
- Export percentage of agriculture: 30%
- Labour force participation rate: 48%
- Total share of export earnings: 80%
Reason 2
Côte d’Ivoire holds membership to multiple bilateral and regional agreements
- African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI)
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
- Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA)
- West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)
- Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
- African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Reason 3
Côte d’Ivoire is an advocate of both social inclusion and environmental sustainability
2015: Participated in signing of the Paris Climate Agreement.
2019: Participated in the 25th Conference of the Parties (COP 25) to the UNFCCC.
