General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI)

The General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI) is the leading employers’ organization in Côte d’Ivoire, playing a crucial role in supporting and promoting the private sector. Established as the voice of Ivorian businesses, CGECI is actively committed to representing, defending, and fostering the growth of companies, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large industries.

Vision and Objectives

CGECI pursues an ambitious goal: to transform the private sector into a key driver of the country’s economic growth. Through various initiatives, the organization aims to enhance the competitiveness of Ivorian businesses, promote a favorable business environment, and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the nation.

CGECI focuses on several strategic areas:

• Advocacy and Representation: Defending the interests of businesses with public authorities, particularly regarding fiscal and regulatory reforms.
• Support for SMEs: Increasing the participation of SMEs in the national economy through initiatives such as the One-Stop Business Development Center (GUDE-CI) and the PEPITE-Côte d’Ivoire 2030 program, which aim to support innovation and business transformation.
• Encouraging National Champions: Promoting the emergence of national leaders in various economic sectors to strengthen the country’s industrial autonomy.

Achievements and Initiatives

In 2022, CGECI achieved significant progress for the private sector in Côte d’Ivoire:

• Strengthened strategic relationships with the State, highlighted by organizing days dedicated to addressing private sector concerns during the government seminar.
• Launch of structuring programs to foster innovation and business expansion.

The year 2023 promises to be fruitful, with projects aimed at accelerating business growth in a challenging global economic context. Among CGECI’s priorities for this year are:

• Organizing a Strategic Seminar bringing together all economic stakeholders to develop the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. This plan will guide private sector actions in alignment with the National Development Plan 2021-2025, which positions the private sector as a major contributor, with a projected financial contribution of 74%.
• Supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a continental market of 1.2 billion consumers with a GDP of 2,500 billion USD. This area presents new opportunities for Ivorian businesses, especially for exports beyond the ECOWAS region.

Key Events

CGECI also organizes major economic events, such as:

• The CGECI Academy, the largest annual economic forum for the Ivorian private sector. In 2023, the 11th edition will introduce new innovations to enhance its impact.
• The Intra-African Trade Fair, scheduled from November 21 to 27, 2023, in Abidjan. This event will offer an exceptional platform to showcase Ivorian products and services on the African stage.

Commitment to the Future

As a pillar of the Ivorian private sector, CGECI positions itself as a key partner in the economic development of Côte d’Ivoire. It is committed to maintaining a constructive dialogue with the government, financial partners, and unions to build a business-friendly environment that promotes growth and wealth creation.

CGECI calls on businesses to unite in tackling future challenges and seizing economic opportunities, thereby strengthening the private sector’s role as a driving force in Ivorian development.