The government of Côte d’Ivoire has taken a significant step toward empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and intermediate-sized enterprises (ETIs) with the adoption of a new bill during a recent Council of Ministers meeting held at the Presidential Palace.
The announcement was made by Amadou Coulibaly, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, following the council’s proceedings. The newly adopted legislation is designed to enhance the institutional framework for the coordination, financing, and promotion of SMEs and mid-cap companies across the nation.
According to Coulibaly, the bill introduces a unified definition for SMEs and ETIs, outlines specific benefits tailored for national companies, and expands local content requirements to encompass all projects and initiatives backed by public funding or public-private partnerships. “This new system is a strategic move to strengthen our economic base,” he explained.
Additionally, the decree establishes a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism to oversee the national SME policy, alongside the creation of a dedicated support fund. This fund aims to fortify the public ecosystem supporting SMEs, ensuring greater economic sovereignty for the country.
The initiative marks a pivotal moment in Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to foster a thriving business environment and bolster its economic resilience.
