Working in Abidjan

Abidjan, which is the Ivorian economic capital city, has become rather popular with expatriates since a few years. Thanks to its growing economy, boosted by industrialization and rapid urbanization, it provides many career prospects for foreigners. Indeed, its labor market is rather open to expatriates, provided the skills required in particular fields are not available locally. So make sure to inquire on its local labor market's requirements and on working conditions before moving.

Economy

Abidjan, on its own, contributes up to 40% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In fact, the capital city's economy mainly relies on industry and services.

The Ivorian economic capital city is also the country's most industrialized region. You are likely to find many buildings in construction, as well as public works and the presence of several international industrial groups in the area. Textiles, specializing particularly in cotton production in the North, makes a significant contribution to the local GDP.

The chemical industry, including petroleum refineries and a hydrocarbon port, as well as agri food (palm oil production, processing of bergamot and Seville oranges, production of pineapple, orange and mango beverages, cocoa conditioning and processing, etc), are also quite important.

Finally, the tertiary sector is developing rapidly thanks to the presence of international commercial banks and the growing number of all types of service companies. Hence, Abidjan is deemed to be one of Western Africa's most prosperous cities.

Career prospects

Industry and the tertiary sector are known to be the main job creators in Abidjan all year round. However, the recruitment of foreign professionals has to be justified by the unavailability of required skills locally.

You are also very likely to be hired in the following fields provided you have the required expertise: finance, tourism, telecommunications, agri food, construction, exports. In fact, Abidjan hosts not only local companies but also the head offices and branches of many international companies.

Find a job

You can start your job search on the Internet by browsing general and specialized job websites, as well as professional social networks and other virtual platforms. However, you might be luckier if you are already on the spot. Feel free to send spontaneous job applications to companies operating across the city.

Networking is also quite widespread across Abidjan and it may help if you have friends or contacts there. Finally, feel free to seek help from foreign Chambers of Commerce in the capital city.

Useful links:

Expat.com ' Jobs in Abidjan
UN Jobs unjobs.org
Careers in Africa www.careersinafrica.com
RCIJobs www.rcijob.com
Glassdoor www.glassdoor.com
Everjobs www.everjobs.ci