Côte d’Ivoire

Region: Western Africa Regional Economic Communities (REC): CEN-SAD · ECOWAS · OHADA

→ View IIAG Country Statistics

(To be linked)

• CEN-SAD
• ECOWAS
• OHADA

The population of Côte d’Ivoire is estimated at approximately 33.1 million (2026).

The informal economy is substantial:

• Estimated 36.6%–42% of GDP
• Up to 80–90% of employment

It plays a critical role in:

• Urban livelihoods
• Small-scale trade
• Service provision

Côte d’Ivoire operates a civil law system, influenced by French legal traditions and OHADA regional law.

Côte d’Ivoire has been a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 1960.

The Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) focuses on:

• Employment creation
• Social protection
• Labour rights
• Social dialogue

Priority areas include:

• Youth employment
• Informal economy integration
• Child labour (notably in cocoa sector)
• Labour migration governance

Côte d’Ivoire is undergoing a transition toward an inclusive social protection system.

The system is structured around three pillars:

1. Social Insurance (Contributory)

• Managed by IPS-CNPS (private sector)
• IPS-CGRAE (public sector)
• Covers pensions and workplace injuries

2. Social Assistance (Non-contributory)

• Cash transfers
• Food-for-work programmes

3. Universal Health Coverage (CMU)

• Established in 2014
• Includes:
• Contributory scheme (RGB)
• Non-contributory scheme (RAM)

Coverage:

• ~62% of the population

National Social Protection Strategy (2024–2028) aims to:

• Reduce poverty
• Expand informal sector coverage
• Strengthen rural inclusion

Côte d’Ivoire combines:

• Labour law frameworks
• Social protection expansion
• Sectoral formalisation initiatives

However:

• Informality remains structurally embedded
• Enforcement is uneven

Labour Code (Law No. 2015-532 of 20 July 2015)

• Applies generally to domestic workers

Key regulatory elements:

• Weekly rest entitlement (Art. 24-1)
• Paid leave (Art. 25)
• CNPS registration requirement

Decree No. 96-203 (Working Hours)

• Allows 56-hour workweek for domestic workers

Decree No. 96-209 (Employer Obligations)

• Requires employer registration with CNPS

Note: A 2014 Bill aimed at regulating domestic work exists but its adoption status remains unclear.

Reality:

• Sector remains largely informal
• Weak enforcement

Regulatory framework characterised by:

• Formal recognition + restrictive enforcement

Key instruments:

• Legislative Ordinance No. 79-021 (1979)
• Interdivisional Order No. 0029/80 (1980)
• Law No. 2016-412 (Consumer Protection)

Key features:

• Licensing requirements
• Municipal by-laws governing space use
• Hygiene and product standards

Reality:

• Harassment and evictions common
• Informality persists despite regulation

Legal framework:

• Environmental protection laws
• Waste regulation policies

However:

• No dedicated framework for waste pickers
• Workers operate informally in hazardous conditions

Emerging developments:

• Circular economy initiatives
• IFC-supported programmes
• Judicial recognition of environmental rights

Ordinance No. 2021-902

• Recognises telework

Key provisions:

• Employer must provide equipment
• Telecom costs may be covered
• Conditions defined via agreements

General labour rules still apply:

• 40-hour workweek
• Adapted for remote work

No dedicated gig economy law.

Workers generally classified as independent contractors.

Key framework:

Ordinance No. 2019-636 (Self-employed Social Security)

• Establishes compulsory scheme
• Covers:
  • Illness
  • Maternity
  • Old age

Decree No. 2020-308

• Governs operation of scheme

Craft Industry Law (2014)

• Confirms independence (no subordination)

Implication:

• Inclusion via social protection
• Exclusion from labour law protections

Governed by Labour Code and sector regulations.

Key features:

• Agricultural minimum wage (SMAG)
• Working time:
  • Up to 48 hours/week
  • ~2400 hours/year

• Overtime regulation
• Written contracts recommended

Critical issues:

• Child labour (cocoa sector)
• Informality
• Land tenure insecurity

Legal frameworks:

• 1998 Rural Land Law
• Agricultural Guidance Law (2015)

Mining Code (Act No. 2014-138 of 24 March 2014)

• Regulates all mining activities
• Requires licensing

Supporting instruments:

• Decree No. 2014-397
• Order No. 002/MIM/CAB (2016)
• UEMOA Mining Regulation (2023)

Key issue:

• Difficulty integrating artisanal miners

Recent developments:

• 2022 ASM formalisation policy
• World Bank-supported initiatives

Regulated through:

• Licensing systems
• Vehicle standards
• Municipal oversight

Includes:

• Taxi-motos
• VTC (ride-hailing services)

Challenges:

• Informal operators
• Regulatory gaps
• Safety concerns

Highly significant but weakly regulated.

Key characteristics:

• Operates outside formal customs systems
• Driven by:
  • Complex regulations
  • Trade barriers

Current direction:

• AfCFTA-driven formalisation
• Simplified Trade Regimes (STRs)
• Recognition of role in:
  • Food security
  • Poverty reduction

• IIAG – Côte d’Ivoire: https://iiag.online/locations/ci.html
• Labour Code (2015)
• Mining Code (2014)
• National Social Protection Strategy (2024–2028)
• Ordinance No. 2019-636 (Self-employed social security)