How to structure a company in Mauritius to invest in Ivory Coast?

Côte d’Ivoire has established itself as the leading economic power in the WAEMU, representing nearly 40% of the regional GDP and boasting sustained growth of around 6 to 7% for over a decade. This dynamism, combined with a modernized legal framework and ambitious investment incentive policies, makes it a prime destination for international investors.

A secure and attractive investment environment

The country has a structured legal framework based on the Investment Code and international standards (OHADA, UEMOA, ECOWAS, OAPI). This framework guarantees foreign investors freedom of investment, fair treatment, protection against expropriation without compensation, and the free transferability of income.

Ivory Coast has also strengthened its attractiveness through the signing of numerous international agreements, including 12 bilateral investment treaties in force and 16 tax conventions aimed at avoiding double taxation.

From a tax perspective, the investment regime is based on an incentive-based approach structured around the method of access (declaration or approval), the project category, and its location. Tax advantages are particularly enhanced for structuring, priority projects located outside major urban areas.

Promising sectors with strong potential

Several key sectors are currently concentrating investment opportunities in Ivory Coast.

The hydrocarbons and energy sector is experiencing sustained growth, driven by increased oil production and new offshore discoveries. The mining sector, particularly gold mining, is also emerging as a strategic pillar, with production increasing sharply in recent years.

The blue economy, through the processing and export of fishery products, benefits from an incentive-based tax regime and is part of the country’s food sovereignty policy.

The agriculture, health, and tourism sectors also remain priorities. Agriculture remains a historical pillar, while health addresses a growing but still largely unmet demand. Tourism, for its part, is supported by large-scale, structuring projects aimed at positioning Côte d’Ivoire as a major regional destination.

Finally, the digital sector, particularly fintechs and startups, is experiencing strong momentum thanks to incentive schemes such as the Grand-Bassam free zone (ZBTIC) and support schemes for labeled startups.

Mauritius: a strategic international financial hub

In this context, Mauritius has established itself as a leading financial platform in Africa. With over 30 years of experience, it combines political stability, legal security and attractive taxation.

Its hybrid legal system, inspired by both French law and British common law, as well as its extensive network of tax treaties and investment protection agreements, enhance its international appeal.

Mauritius also stands out for its competitive tax system, characterized in particular by the absence of capital gains tax, dividend tax and inheritance tax, as well as the freedom to repatriate capital.

Why structure through a Mauritian company?

Structuring an investment vehicle in Mauritius allows for the optimization of cross-border operations, particularly towards Ivory Coast and more broadly Africa.

It offers greater flexibility in managing financial flows, tax optimization within a framework that complies with international standards, as well as increased asset protection and better wealth structuring.

This type of arrangement is particularly suited to international expansion strategies, direct investments, financing operations, as well as wealth and estate management.

Conclusion

The combination of Côte d’Ivoire, a market with strong growth potential, and Mauritius, an international financial hub, constitutes a particularly effective investment architecture. It allows for a combination of legal security, tax optimization, and strategic access to expanding African markets.