Ivory Coast is a market of great interest for Spanish companies looking to make inroads into the Africa. Its economy has enjoyed one of the best rates of growth since 2012, and despite the Covid-19 crisis and its negative impacts, it has held up well.

During 2020, its GDP grew by 2.3 per cent, and in 2021 it is expected to grow even more. Data from the International Monetary Fund also estimates that GDP will grow at around 6.5% until 2025. This is due to its stable macroeconomic framework and the structural reform that the country’s economy has been undergoing in recent years to adapt to the new times and the needs of the market.

Opportunities for Spanish companies in Ivory Coast

What opportunities are there for companies to export their products to Ivory Coast? The sectors that offer great possibilities for Spanish companies are many. Ana de Vicente Lancho, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Spanish Embassy in Abidjan, highlights those that are currently in greatest demand:

  • Agriculture: Ivory Coast is a predominantly agricultural country. It is the world’s leading international exporter of cocoa and cashew nuts, but also an exporter of other products such as coffee, cotton, rubber and palm oil. In order to maintain this position, the country’s authorities are committed to improving productivity in this sector. There are opportunities for all products involved in achieving this objective. Fertilisers, irrigation systems, all types of equipment for agricultural work and packaging products for export.
  • Industry: Industry is another sector that is experiencing major growth. In order to further develop industry in Ivory Coast, opportunities are available for companies that manufacture industrial equipment, especially those used in the aforementioned agricultural industry.
  • Consumer goods: Thanks to the country’s progressive development, the middle class is growing exponentially, which also means greater purchasing power. Some of the most sought-after consumer goods are personal care, household and hygiene products, toys, footwear and textiles. The Ivorian market is well placed as an attractive export destination for Spanish companies focused on the production of these goods.
  • Health: The Covid-19 crisis has led to a considerable increase in demand for products in the health sector. Ivory Coast’s needs are centred mainly on hospital equipment due to the government’s commitment to improving all health centres.
  • Investment projects: As a country enjoying rapid development, there are many projects that require companies that specialise in renewable energies, water treatment and sanitation, infrastructure development in the urban areas and waste management.

Opportunities for Spanish companies are included in the National Development Plan 2021-2025, which began in the early months of this year. In order for these companies to take advantage of these opportunities, the Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in Abidjan will provide them with all the information and contacts needed, as well as the necessary information for the development of their business in Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast city

United by a common goal

At Logimarex International we want to help you with the challenge of expanding your company internationally. To do so we offer you our purchasing, distribution and transport management services so that you can export your products to the Ivory Coast with guaranteed success. We will ensure that the transport chosen is the most suitable for your product. We will provide you with the distribution strategy that ensures a successful expansion.