Investment and Trade Opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire:Insights from the Francophone Africa Business Summit 2025 Panel Session

At the Francophone Africa Business Summit 2024, a high-level panel session featuring industry leaders, economists, and trade experts explored Côte d’Ivoire’s investment climate, highlighting key opportunities and risks for businesses operating in the region. The panel discussion examined economic stability, currency policies, high-growth sectors, and the challenges of market entry, with insights from finance, trade, and industry specialists.

Côte d’Ivoire has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with its rapid expansion over the past decade drawing attention from investors across the continent. The country’s economic success is largely driven by strong government policies, a stable currency, and strategic partnerships. Nigeria, as a major economic force in West Africa, shares key trade and investment ties with Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services.

How Economic and Currency Stability Drive Growth – Serge Thiemele

Kicking off the session, Serge Thiemele addressed Côte d’Ivoire’s impressive economic growth, emphasizing the role of economic stability and the CFA franc in attracting investment.

“The government has implemented policies that promote steady growth by focusing on infrastructure, foreign investment incentives, and trade partnerships. One of the most significant advantages for investors here is the CFA franc (XOF), which is pegged to the euro. This provides a predictable business environment, allowing investors to plan long-term without worrying about extreme currency fluctuations.”

– Serge Thiemele (Managing Founder & Partner First Capital)

The stability of the CFA franc has been particularly beneficial to the government, which earns about 15% of the country’s total revenue through structured economic policies. These measures have transformed Côte d’Ivoire into a regional business hub, attracting investments in agriculture, real estate, and industrialization.

Key Investment Opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire

Agriculture: As the world’s largest producer of cocoa and coffee, Côte d’Ivoire remains a powerhouse in agricultural exports. This presents huge opportunities for investors interested in farming, processing, and exportation of key agricultural products.
Infrastructure and Real Estate: With increasing urbanization, the demand for housing, office spaces, and commercial infrastructure is skyrocketing.
Renewable Energy and Electricity: As the country’s economy grows, so does the demand for stable electricity and sustainable energy sources.
Mining and Telecommunication: Côte d’Ivoire’s mining sector, which includes gold and manganese extraction, has attracted foreign investment. Similarly, the telecommunications industry is thriving, with expanding broadband and mobile services.
Manufacturing: In the 1980s, manufacturing accounted for 25% of Côte d’Ivoire’s GDP. Though this figure declined over the years, recent policy shifts have revived the sector, pushing it back to the 25% mark today.

Risks and Currency Exchange Challenges – Ousmane Traore

Despite the stability of the CFA franc, Ousmane Traore highlighted the challenges of currency exchange for businesses dealing in USD transactions.

“The CFA franc provides great stability for business transactions within the Eurozone. However, companies dealing with countries like the U.S. often struggle with foreign exchange losses. The exchange rate against the dollar can make imports and exports less profitable.”

– Ousmane Traore (Chairperson, ECAKOOG Cooperative)

This challenge is particularly relevant for businesses reliant on USD-based trade, as fluctuating exchange rates can impact profit margins.

Market Profitability Risks – Wilfrid Korsaga

While Côte d’Ivoire provides a strong revenue environment, profitability is not always guaranteed. Wilfrid used Access Bank’s experience as an example of a company that generated revenue but struggled with long-term profitability.

“Many businesses generate 100% of their expected revenue here, but profit margins remain uncertain. Take Access Bank, for example. They successfully met revenue targets in Côte d’Ivoire but still had to exit the market because their profit growth was not sustainable.”

-Wilfrid Korsaga (Managing Partner, ARM Agribusiness
Fund Managers)

This underscores the importance of careful financial planning and market research before committing to long-term investments in the country.

Political and Economic Stability Risks

Despite Côte d’Ivoire’s strong growth trajectory, political and regulatory risks remain a factor for investors.

“Businesses need to be aware of the potential for government policy shifts, changes in tax regulations, or political unrest. These factors can significantly impact profitability. Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire share deepening economic ties, particularly in finance, trade, and knowledge exchange.

Businesses operating in Côte d’Ivoire benefit from government incentives designed to attract foreign expertise. However, challenges such as fluctuating profit margins and unpredictable market conditions require businesses to be strategic,” says

-Wilfrid Korsaga (Managing Partner, ARM Agribusiness Fund Managers)

Côte d’Ivoire presents compelling investment opportunities, particularly in agriculture, real estate, energy, and manufacturing. However, investors must navigate challenges such as currency risks, profitability concerns, and political uncertainties.

For Nigerian businesses and international investors, Côte d’Ivoire is an attractive but complex market, one that requires strategic planning, local partnerships, and a deep understanding of economic trends to ensure long-term success.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from the Panel Session

The Francophone Africa Business Summit 2024 panel session highlighted Côte d’Ivoire as a prime investment destination, offering significant opportunities Agriculture (particularly in cocoa and coffee processing), Infrastructure & Real Estate, Renewable Energy and lots more. However, the panelists also emphasized critical challenges, including Currency Exchange Risks, Market Profitability Concerns and Political and Economic Uncertainty.

For Nigerian and international investors, Côte d’Ivoire presents a dynamic yet complex market. The key to long-term success lies in strategic planning, financial resilience, and strong local partnerships to navigate regulatory landscapes and economic trends effectively.

The insights shared during this panel session reinforce that while Côte d’Ivoire is full of potential, businesses must approach expansion with a well-informed and adaptable strategy to maximize growth and profitability.