Côte d'Ivoire Economy

Côte d’Ivoire is prospering on the back of renewed political stability and rapid economic growth, although as is the case with many fast-growing markets, the rewards have not been evenly distributed. The government has grappled with the high concentration of economic activity in select regions, which has compounded regional inequality and led...

Côte d’Ivoire operates a presidential political system, under which the president is the head of state and holds extensive executive power. He or she appoints a prime minister, who in turn selects the Cabinet. The president is also head of the armed forces and initiates most legislation, though parliament can also do so. The head of state is...

The volume of people and goods which traverse Côte d’Ivoire’s border with Ghana is significant both socially and economically. Relations between the two countries, however, have not always been straightforward. Côte d’Ivoire gained its independence from France in 1960, three years after its eastern neighbour won its independence from the UK....

In 2016 Jean-Louis Billon, Côte d’Ivoire’s former minister of commerce, noted that while 80% of all firms operating in the country could be categorised as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the segment was receiving just 12% of total investment.

Ethnically, linguistically and religiously diverse, Côte d’Ivoire is a West African nation with a rich culture. Once one of the continent’s leading economic powerhouses, the country was afflicted by civil war for much of the past 10 years. However, peace has largely prevailed since April 2011, and the nation is now looking to reclaim its...

ETIQUETTE: Business etiquette is similar to that in France. A handshake is appropriate for both men and women upon first meeting someone new. When a woman meets someone for the second time, three kisses on the cheek, just as in some regions in France, are an appropriate greeting. Before discussing...