A genuine regional hub in West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire is the leading economy in French-speaking Africa. What makes it so strong ? A diversified and dynamic economy, quality infrastructure and a business-friendly environment. It is also what makes it a customer and a preferred supplier of France. 

Source : Country profile Business France

Good to know :

Language Spoken : France
Local Currency : CFA franc
Capital : Yamoussoukro

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.E in Côte d’Ivoire

Do you meet the International Young Talent Program conditions of eligibility ?
So, you can try your luck for a V.I.E assignment in Côte d’Ivoire! Your application will be examined.

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.A in Côte d’Ivoire 

To go to Côte d’Ivoire as a V.I.A, you must fulfil the conditions for accessing the V.I.A.
The administration that is recruiting you is responsible for your residence permit.

Cultural work codes in Côte d’Ivoire

A warm and friendly welcome awaits you in Côte d’Ivoire! Ivorians are known for their great hospitality and relaxed way of communicating. Be sure to act in the same way and be respectful and courteous. Thank your contacts and don’t overlook the small things. For example, it is traditional to bring a small gift of little value to thank your hosts.

Do not be surprised to hear personal anecdotes or to be asked about your family by Ivorian colleagues. The family is at the heart of African culture and therefore present in discussions, even in a professional context.

"Tell me what you wear, I will tell you who you are". This adage sums up the importance that Ivorians attach to dress. The dress code at work is formal. For this reason, we recommend that you wear a suit and tie or a suit for women for your business meetings, whatever the sector and especially for administrative departments.

Finally, to get off to a good start with your counterparts, remember to compliment them on the country's beauty and its strong growth. The people of Côte d’Ivoire are very proud of their homeland, their skills and their abilities. Be careful, don’t overdo it, you don't want to risk appearing insincere!

Things that may surprise you in Côte d’Ivoire

- On your arrival in Abidjan (Babi for the locals) the first monument you will see as you leave the airport is the “Akwaba” statue which means “Welcome” in a local language.

- You will have no trouble finding a taxi on arrival at the airport. The rates are quite acceptable but remember that you can negotiate them! One exception: when you order a taxi online - for example on the Taxi Yango app - the price is non-negotiable.

- You will notice that Ivorians have a cavalier attitude to driving. Traffic lights are not always obeyed and some vehicles, such as “gbakas” (private collective transport) and other “woro-woro”, have no hesitation in going the wrong way down one-way streets to avoid traffic jams.

- You may be arrested by the police, on the pretext of checking your identity as a cover for racketeering. Above all, don’t panic and use your best negotiating skills to charm the person talking to you! By keeping a smile on your face and making a little joke such as, “Boss, I’ll buy you a coffee next time”, your wallet should be OK.

- You can always count on the Ivorians to make you laugh and lighten the atmosphere, even in a dramatic situation! A good mood, humour and self-deprecation are always appreciated

-Abidjan, the economic capital, will surprise you with its modern architecture, its vibrancy and its wild nights. In short, as the local expression says, you will discover that “Abidjan is sweet”!

- Unless you are accompanied, the famous Ivorian slang “nouchi” will be essential during your various trips to popular areas so that you don’t feel too “Gaou”. If you know the song 1st Gaou by the famous Ivorian group Magic System, you will have understood the reference!

- You will be seduced by the surprising and varied gastronomy, which reflects the cultural diversity of Côte d’Ivoire. Essential dishes such as “attiéké”, “alloco”, braised fish, etc. By day and by night, no matter where, you can find food in the “maquis”, very popular restaurants that are also a place to meet up and socialize, often in the open-air.

- Mobile money transactions are widespread and useful for paying invoices and restaurant bills