Robust economic growth is supporting an expanding middle class in Côte d’Ivoire, underpinning strong growth in demand for cooking ingredients and meals in 2025. Middle-class consumers, who are typically active and time-poor, are increasingly seeking convenient, quick and balanced meal solutions. Meanwhile, the rising prevalence of hypertension and diabetes is prompting some manufacturers to reformulate their recipes to meet growing demand for healthier options.

In 2024, Côte d’Ivoire’s GDP growth eased to 6.0%, but stayed above the regional average, supported by strong consumption. Inflation fell to 3.5%, and is set to remain contained as commodity prices decline. Exports face headwinds from US tariffs, while the fiscal deficit, at a relatively low level, stands out ahead of the 2025 election year, when spending pressures typically rise.

Côte d'Ivoire's business environment showed mixed progress from 2019 to 2024, with significant improvements in business and investment freedom, but a decline in overall economic freedom due to weaknesses in monetary stability and judicial effectiveness. In addition, the country's labour market faced challenges, including a skills mismatch and high youth unemployment, despite advancements in labour regulations.

Value sales of dairy products and alternatives in Côte d’Ivoire rose in 2025, supported by improving economic conditions and a gradual decline in inflation, which eased from 4.4% in 2023 to 3.9% in 2024. Greater stability in household purchasing power encouraged spending on everyday staples, including milk, yoghurt, and baby food. The expansion of affordable pack sizes, such as Nestlé’s new 16g and 150g Nido sachets, made dairy products more accessible to a wider base of consumers, while rising

Toward the end of the review period, sales of consumer health products in Côte d’Ivoire remained moderate, reflecting a relatively stable performance despite a challenging economic environment. Pharmaceutical imports declined by 10% between 2023 and 2024, signalling a slowdown in the sector and highlighting the country’s dependence on external supply. At the same time, the Ivorian government reduced its health budget by 10%, a decision that had a direct impact on the supply chain and limited inv

In 2024, Côte d'Ivoire's per capita disposable income increased by 2.9%, driven by reduced unemployment and improved labour productivity. Over 2024-2029, disposable income is forecast to grow by 23%, with the 45-49 age group expected to become the highest earners. However, significant income inequality and a gender employment gap persist, with the lowest income bracket still comprising 33.2% of the population by 2029.

In 2024, extended households were the most prevalent type in Côte d’Ivoire, comprising 32.7% of all households, but their share is forecast to decline slightly to 32.3% by 2029. Single person households are expected to grow the fastest, expanding by 27.6% over the 2024-2029 period, driven by changing social norms and economic conditions. The urbanisation rate is projected to rise to 64.2% by 2029, placing rising pressure on urban infrastructure and services.

Value sales of snacks in Côte d’Ivoire rose in 2025, supported by favourable economic conditions and rising demand across key consumer groups. The growing middle class – now estimated to represent more than 30% of the population – has significantly influenced snack consumption. As household purchasing power has increased by roughly a quarter over the past decade, more consumers are allocating income to convenience and impulse products, including snacks. Demand has also been driven by the popular

The annual rate of growth in retail volume sales of tobacco in Côte d’Ivoire accelerated sharply in 2024. The fastest-growing category is ‘light’ cigarettes, which have a lower nicotine content. Cigars and cigarillos remain a niche, primarily targeted at a small group of affluent men over the age of 40. Consuming smoking tobacco (shisha) via water pipes is growing in popularity among young urban consumers. The rate of growth in retail volume sales of e-vapour products also accelerated in 2024, b

Volume sales of alcoholic drinks continued to rise in 2024, supported by an increasingly dynamic import landscape and evolving consumer preferences. Beer remained by far the most consumed alcoholic beverage in Côte d’Ivoire, accounting for the vast majority of volume sales. However, spirits and wines also gained incremental ground, particularly in urban areas where imported products are more accessible. Wine imports, in particular, experienced a notable uptick, helping Côte d’Ivoire become one o

Retail value sales of beauty and personal care rose in 2024. Improving living standards and a burgeoning middle class in Côte d'Ivoire have led to increased exposure to a wide range of beauty and personal care products, which play a pivotal role in everyday life. These products are highly valued and significantly contribute to enhancing wellbeing and appearance.

Tissue and hygiene sales saw strong and steady growth in current value terms in 2024, following a similar pattern seen in the previous few years. Growth was driven by urbanisation, rising hygiene awareness, and expanding retail access. However, economic pressures are pushing consumers toward more affordable, value-oriented products, which led to slightly slower growth in 2024 compared to 2023.

The population of Côte d'Ivoire is predicted to increase by 43.2%, due to changes in net migration and natural change, standing at a total of 45.7 million citizens by 2040. Young adults (aged 18-29) will represent the largest portion of the population by 2040. The birth rate in Côte d'Ivoire is anticipated to fall between 2024 and 2040. Major cities across Côte d'Ivoire will continue to develop and expand, while Abidjan will remain the largest city by 2040.

Solid state finances and political stability characterise Côte d’Ivoire, but economic freedom has worsened as has relations with its neighbour. Robust economic performance has been accompanied by relatively low inflation, but the external sector is exposed to commodity price changes. Population growth and rising incomes will support the consumer market, but gender inequality is sizeable. A solid mobile sector has enhanced communications, but internet use is low and innovation needs improvement.

Home care saw sales grow in both volume and value terms in Côte d’Ivoire in 2024. There was inflationary pressure on prices but competition and substitutes prevented more significant price increases. The market saw growth driven by favourable demographics, real estate expansion and the extension of distribution networks into rural areas. A growing middle- and high-income consumer base boosted demand, while lower-income buyers favoured traditional offers, counterfeit items or reduced usage.

The country posted robust economic growth and had one of the strongest GDPs in the sub-Saharan region in 2024. While rising food prices remained, headline inflation cooled in 2024. Bread, a staple food in the local diet, retained popularity, especially unpackaged bread. Breakfast cereals, on the other hand, witnessed declining volume sales, mostly because of affordability constraints, while processed food categories faced more intense competition from locally produced and fresh alternatives.

This report covers the retail sector in frontier markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. Euromonitor International’s definition of the region includes the following countries: Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Tanzania and Uganda. Frontier markets in Sub-Saharan Africa exclude South Africa and Nigeria.

In 2024 sales of soft drinks continued to grow benefiting from a drop in inflation. There was also a notable increase in demand for healthier options, such as reduced sugar/sugar free carbonates, bottled water and soft drinks with 100% natural ingredients. The popularity of sports in the country and subsequent bounce from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament in 2023 also boosted sales of sports drinks and energy drinks, with companies investing more heavily in advertising.

During 2024, retail volume sales of hot drinks expanded, supported by urbanisation, population growth, and continued recovery of the economy since the end of the pandemic. However, the market now faces a new set of challenges due to global inflation rates and fuel price hikes as well as a lack of dynamic marketing strategies. Thanks to tea and coffee cultivation in the country, local brands remained popular, while the health and wellness trend continued to gather pace.

Abidjan and San Pedro are Côte d’Ivoire’s most economically vibrant cities, due to total population, consumer expenditure and disposable income. Meanwhile, Korhogo holds the highest potential for future economic growth, based on expected GDP growth. However, challenges for the country’s cities will persist in the near term due to the continuing global economic slowdown and the impact of tight financial conditions.