Work in Ivory Coast

Since a few years, Ivory Coast has been attracting more and more expatriates for several reasons. Its developing economy and the numerous opportunities that are available there are one of the key factors. Indeed, the presence of many foreign companies in the country is deemed to be a real plus for skilled and qualified expatriates seeking a new professional adventure. But before moving there, it is best to inquire on its labor market and working conditions.

Economy

The Ivorian economy mainly relies on agriculture. The country is also a major gas and petroleum producer, contributing to a large scale to the local economy. The secondary sector, including industry, food, textiles, construction materials, etc, makes a 22% contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Finally, services, including telecommunications and many other growing sectors, make a 55% contribution to the Ivorian economy.

Working conditions

The legal working week in Ivory Coast consists of 40 hours.

There are two types of working contracts: the fixed-term contract and the permanent contract. In the case of the fixed-term contract, it has to be stamped by the Labor Inspectorate in case it has a more than three months duration.

The minimum wage in Ivory Coast amounts to 60,000 CFA francs per month. However, the recruitment of foreign nationals has to be justified by the unavailability of required skills locally. Hence, foreign nationals are entitled to a twice or thrice higher salary. However, the minimum wage does not apply to them.

Social contributions

Social contributions in Ivory Coast are paid by the employer at a rate of 5.75 % for family benefits, 2% to 5 % for occupational accidents and 7.7 % for retirement. The employee, for his part, only makes a 6.3% contribution to the retirement fund.

Employment contract

The employment contract has to be stamped by the Agence d'Etudes et de Promotion de l'Emploi (AGEPE). Thus, the employment contract has to be stamped before your recruitment confirmation. You are therefore required to fill in the appropriate form which is available on the AGEPE website or at its office.

Once your employment contract has been confirmed, you have to apply for a nominative employment card within three months. You can have more information from the AGEPE.

Work visa and employment card

To apply for a work visa, you have to produce the following;

• a copy of your diplomas, certificates or professional testimonies
• a copy of your criminal record
• your resume
• a medical certificate.

To apply for the employment card, you will need:

• a duly filled and signed application form
• a copy of your stamped employment contract by the AGEPE
• two passport-size identity photos
• a copy of your resident permit.

Find a job

Internet will with no doubt be your best tool during your job search in Ivory Coast. Indeed, you can start by browsing several general and specialized job websites, as well as professionals social networks and other virtual platforms. You can also check out classified ads in local newspapers. Why not send spontaneous job applications to companies operating in the country as well? You might be lucky!

Note that new companies in Ivory Coast have to publish their current vacancies at the AGEPE for a month so as to hire a maximum of local professionals. Once this period has expired, foreign nationals become eligible to apply for these jobs. Therefore, make sure to update your resume so that you really stand out of the lot.

Useful links:

Expat.com ' Jobs in Ivory Coast
AGEPE www.agepe.ci
Careers in Africa www.careersinafrica.com
UN Jobs unjobs.org
Bayt www.bayt.com
Everjobs www.everjobs.ci
Infomine www.infomine.com
RMO Job Center www.rmo-jobcenter.com