Shopping in Ivory Coast

The traditional trading network includes wholesale markets, large markets, and temporary and permanent retail markets. Modern distribution is also expanding through neighborhood boutiques (boutiques de proximité), convenience stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets. Abidjan concentrates a large share of modern retail space, while markets, boutiques and regional supply play a greater role outside the metropolitan area. The food-market monitoring body (OCPV) observes the flow of goods, stocks, origins and prices for certain food products. Prices can be compared through the price information service (Infos Prix) and the price information service (E-GRENIER); seasonal and regional differences remain possible. Price caps may apply to selected basic necessities. If a price is not displayed or a price-cap violation may have occurred, reports can be submitted to the free number 1343. Cosmetic and hygiene products should show a recognizable origin, an undamaged seal, a batch number, an expiry date and instructions for use. The conformity and quality body (CODINORM) and relevant NI standards (NI-Normen) support conformity and quality checks, but the place of sale alone is not a general guarantee of quality. Clothing is available in markets, boutiques, large retailers, from local tailors, through second-hand clothing (Friperie) and online. For online or other distance sales, goods may be returned within ten working days of delivery; return shipping costs may be excluded. In physical stores, a return without a defect depends mainly on the contract and the retailer’s conditions, which should be clarified before purchase. Electronics and household appliances are sold both in physical stores and online. Before paying, the model, serial number, accessories, warranty conditions, invoice and responsible seller or manufacturer service should be documented. For new refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and lamps, energy labels under the regional framework (UEMOA) may be relevant alongside conformity requirements. For online purchases, the trader’s identity, essential product characteristics, total price, delivery period, warranty and return procedure should be checked before payment. Platforms used in Ivory Coast include Jumia, Ivoire Mobiles, Yaatoo, Afrimarket, Africashop, Locanto, babishopping and Librairie de France Groupe. According to the telecommunications regulator (ARTCI), around 9.8 percent of internet users made purchases online in 2024. The delivery area, delivery period and return procedure vary by platform and retailer. The law on electronic transactions regulates, among other things, electronic contracts, signatures and archiving. For distance and off-premises sales, consumer law provides for a return within ten working days of delivery; if required trader information is missing, the period may be extended. Screenshots, the order confirmation, proof of payment, the invoice and messages with the trader should be kept. In case of a defect, the seller should be contacted in writing with proof of purchase. Depending on the contract and statutory rights, replacement, repair or a refund may be available. The consumer council (CNCO) is particularly relevant for consumer information, unfair practices, conformity and returns; the internal trade directorate (DGCI) deals, among other things, with competition, excessive prices, fraud, metrology, standards and quality controls. In addition to cash and bank cards, Trésor Money, Moov Money, Orange Money, MTN MoMo, PE YA PAY, Celpaid Money and Wave are used. The UEMOA-wide payment system PI-SPI has been available around the clock since 30 September 2025, but actual merchant and participant coverage should be checked before purchase. PINs and one-time codes must not be shared. Before confirming a payment, the recipient’s name and number should be checked and the transaction receipt saved. For a failed payment, the payment provider and retailer are responsible first; ARTCI may additionally be contacted for digital or postal telecommunications services. The national circular-economy strategy for 2023–2027 includes, among other things, extended producer responsibility for packaging. Collection, recycling and recovery remain regionally and organizationally fragmented, and no uniform nationwide deposit or take-back system is documented. Durable and repairable products, less packaging and reusable options, where available, reduce waste. Packaging can be recovered separately through local collection points or existing recycling structures.