Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire stands as one of West Africa’s most dynamic economies, with a robust GDP and a diverse economic landscape. Key sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, mining, construction, and services are central to its growth. Positioned as a strategic business hub in the region, Côte d’Ivoire is making strides in infrastructure development and international trade. At Alexander & Partner, we leverage our expertise to provide comprehensive legal support across all phases of business operations in Côte d’Ivoire, from market entry to dispute resolution.

Led by Maître Yannick Koné Dossongui, our team excels in banking, finance, capital markets, insurance, litigation, real estate law, and corporate law. Yannick’s deep understanding of both local and international legal systems allows us to provide forward-thinking advice for businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in Côte d’Ivoire. Whether advising on public policy, sector-specific regulations, or corporate matters, we help businesses navigate the complexities of the Ivorian legal landscape for long-term success.

Comprehensive Legal Support for International Contracts

Our firm offers practical legal support across all stages of international contract execution, from preparation to implementation. We understand that speed and accuracy are vital in today’s global economy and our Abidjan office, along with our international network, is always ready to assist clients in real-time. We focus on minimizing risks and maximizing profitability by offering expertise in claims management and dispute resolution, ensuring that contracts are managed efficiently and effectively.

Project Contracts in Côte d’Ivoire

We aim to be your long-term partner in managing the legal and commercial aspects of your projects. Specializing in advising on project contracts, including EPC contracts and joint venture agreements, our team works closely with international clients involved in large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects in Côte d’Ivoire. We provide the legal clarity needed to achieve technical and financial objectives while ensuring compliance with Ivorian law.

International Arbitration in Côte d’Ivoire

Disputes are an inevitable aspect of international business, but our team is well-versed in handling disputes both in court and via arbitration. Côte d’Ivoire, as a member of the OHADA system (Organisation pour l’harmonisation en Afrique du droit des affaires), offers a clear and efficient legal framework for dispute resolution. We offer expert guidance in arbitration proceedings including those under the rules of the Abidjan Centre for Arbitration (CACI) and international arbitration institutions (e.g. ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, SCC, SIAC). Our goal is to resolve conflicts swiftly and amicably while fully protecting your interests.

Legal Counsel for International Investments

Alexander & Partner is equipped to advise on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions in Côte d’Ivoire. We offer tailored guidance throughout the investment process, from project structuring and risk analysis to tax optimization and regulatory compliance. Our expertise ensures that your investments align with both local regulations and global standards.

Establishing your Presence in Côte d’Ivoire

When expanding operations into Côte d’Ivoire, navigating local legal requirements can be challenging. Our expert team provides guidance on every aspect of local company formation, from obtaining the necessary licenses to complying with local labor and company law. We ensure that your entry into the Ivorian market is smooth, efficient, and fully compliant with the law.

Strategic and Industrial Alliances

We also support clients in forming strategic alliances such as joint ventures, restructuring efforts, and green/brownfield projects. Our team is skilled in drafting shareholders’ agreements, cooperation agreements, and advising on operational agreements, including supply, distribution, and agency agreements. Whether you’re entering a new market or restructuring an existing operation, we provide the legal insight necessary for success.

Export Control, Sanctions, and Compliance

Given the complexities of international trade, we offer comprehensive advice on export control regulations, sanctions, and customs laws. Our team helps businesses comply with rules related to economic sanctions, export control, protective duties, and WTO agreements. We guide clients through risk assessments, compliance program implementation, and investigations related to trade bans, ensuring adherence to all relevant regulations and standards.

By choosing Alexander & Partner, you gain a trusted legal partner capable of supporting your business in all phases of your project in Côte d’Ivoire, ensuring compliance, profitability, and long-term success in this thriving market.

Questions

Our firm is home to highly experienced lawyers with a profound understanding of Ivorian law providing personalized and expert legal guidance to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We work closely with our local partner law firm ensuring that tasks are handled efficiently in-house. This approach streamlines decision-making and reduces costs, ensuring that clients always have a dedicated point of contact for their legal matters.
Côte d’Ivoire’s legal framework is based on the French civil law system, which is familiar to many international investors. The country has made significant strides in creating a favorable business environment, particularly through laws that protect foreign investments. It has several incentives for foreign investors, including tax exemptions, customs duty reductions, and specific provisions aimed at enhancing foreign business activities, particularly in sectors like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.
While Côte d’Ivoire offers attractive opportunities, businesses may face challenges such as navigating bureaucracy, securing financing, and dealing with the complexities of local labor laws. Corruption, although diminishing, can still pose risks in some sectors. Additionally, businesses must understand the cultural and economic nuances of the market to ensure successful operations. Our local expertise and partnerships can provide insight and assistance in overcoming these challenges.

Team

Founding Partner
With over a decade of experience in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Oliver Alexander specializes in advising German and European clients on their business activities within the Gulf. His expertise focuses on commercial law, international and commercial arbitration, and dispute resolution in the construction sector. He is also recognized as one of the first movers into the Sub-Saharan African legal market, having established the firm’s presence in Accra, Ghana.
Partner
Andreas Scherdel has extensive experience in advising on project contracts, corporate law, commercial contracts, claims and risk management. His practice focuses on the construction, infrastructure and energy sectors. He also has significant knowledge of accounting and tax issues relating to large-scale projects.
Of Counsel
Marie Badiane-Mbuyu is a French lawyer with extensive experience in project finance and legal matters within the energy and technology sectors. She is passionate about the intersection of technology and energy and is committed to developing innovative solutions to address challenges in energy infrastructure.
Of Counsel
Yannick Koné Dossongui is a dual-qualified lawyer, admitted to both the Paris and Côte d’Ivoire Bars, with a focus on banking, finance, capital markets (ISDA), insurance, and corporate law. He also has significant experience in real estate transactions and litigation.
Of Counsel
Fallou Mbodji is Of Counsel of Alexander & Partner with substantial experience in international projects in Africa and OHADA Law.