Study on the Informal Economy in Côte d'Ivoire — Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

EU procurement notice published on Tenders Electronic Daily (TED). Buyer: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Buyer country: DEU. Place of performance: CIV. TED publication number: 430435-2026.

Subject: Côte d'Ivoire has experienced sustained economic growth over the past decade, driven by structural reforms, investments, and economic diversification. However, this growth is accompanied by the predominance of the informal economy, which accounts for approximately 80% of economic units and nearly 90% of employment. Despite its significant contribution to GDP, the informal sector is characterized by low productivity, weak organizational structures, limited access to finance, and restricted access to public support mechanisms.

Within this context, a growing number of innovative micro and small enterprise - particularly among young entrepreneurs and artisans - are emerging in sectors such as agriculture, crafts, digital services, trade, and energy. These enterprises develop solutions with strong social, environmental, or digital impact but face structural barriers, including insufficient legal formalization, weak governance and financial management, limited understanding of investment mechanisms, and low strategic planning capacity.

In response, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MCI), with the support of the GIZ-implemented ProREI project financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), intends to implement a structured support program targeting innovative entrepreneurs from the informal sector, with a particular focus on artisans and entrepreneurs in regions outside major urban centers. The program aims to strengthen entrepreneurial, technical, and financial capacities; promote progressive and sustainable formalization; reinforce local support structures through training trainers; and facilitate access to appropriate financing instruments.

It aligns with national priorities under the National Development Plan (PND 2021-2025) and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 8 and SDG 9. Through training, coaching, and investment readiness support, the program seeks to enhance the competitiveness of innovative informal enterprises and foster their sustainable integration into Côte d'Ivoire's formal economy.