CÔTE D’IVOIRE
With 18 years of presence in Côte d’Ivoire, CLKA supports economic actors including local companies, multinationals, financial institutions, investors, states, and development agencies, in one of West Africa’s most dynamic environments.
Recognized as one of the region’s leading business law firms, CLKA is consistently ranked by Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, and IFLR1000, reflecting the strength of our expertise and the enduring trust of our clients.
Leveraging deep knowledge of the Ivorian market and OHADA Uniform Acts, the firm combines strategic insight, legal rigor, and execution capability to support companies in complex operations and regulatory matters.
Côte d’Ivoire, a major economic hub and gateway to the WAEMU region, offers abundant opportunities in energy, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, real estate, infrastructure, and digital sectors. CLKA positions itself as a trusted legal partner to secure investments, transactions, and major projects.
Our Services
With 18 years of active presence and recognized OHADA expertise, CLKA accompanies companies at every stage of development. Our approach is based on a nuanced understanding of the Ivorian market, risk anticipation, and a results-driven operational focus.
We provide comprehensive, agile, and secure legal support at the heart of transactions, strategic projects, and regulatory challenges, tailored to the realities of local and international investors.
CORPORATE, GOVERNANCE & OHADA LAW
CLKA assists companies in structuring and managing their activities, from company formation to the establishment of complex groups and governance reorganization. We advise on shareholder agreements, negotiation of intra-group arrangements, and preparation of key commercial contracts. We also ensure ongoing legal monitoring of companies in compliance with OHADA requirements, securing governance bodies and strategic decisions. Our approach combines technical rigor, risk anticipation, and operational understanding.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
For acquisitions, disposals, or restructurings, CLKA supports companies at every stage of the transaction. Our teams conduct comprehensive due diligence, structure operations with regulatory and tax considerations, draft and negotiate transactional documentation, and coordinate stakeholders to ensure smooth execution. We handle both local and cross-border transactions, including those involving multiple OHADA jurisdictions.
Private Equity & Financial Investors
We advise investment funds, private equity investors, family offices, and financial institutions on entry and exit operations. Our support covers fundraising, financing structuring, investment agreements, incentive mechanisms for management, and post-transaction governance. We combine strategic analysis, financial understanding, and precise regulatory expertise to secure operations while preserving investors’ economic objectives.
Competition & Economic Regulation
CLKA advises clients on competition law and economic regulation matters. We handle merger control, analysis of commercial practices, compliance with rules on dominant positions and selective distribution, and drafting internal policies to prevent anticompetitive risks. We also support companies during administrative investigations and proceedings before sectoral or national regulatory authorities.
Taxation, Customs & International Trade
Our team assists companies with tax structuring and risk management, from strategic planning to daily compliance. We intervene during audits, inspections, and disputes, offering expertise on customs regimes, exemptions, special economic zones, and cross-border international tax issues. In international trade, we support complex contract negotiation and drafting, import/export operations, and multi-jurisdictional transaction structuring.
Energy, Environment & ESG
CLKA advises on energy projects, including renewable and conventional infrastructure. We support sponsors, operators, lenders, and public authorities in project structuring, obtaining permits, negotiating key contracts, and implementing financing mechanisms. We also provide in-depth expertise on environmental compliance and ESG standards, now essential for financing and delivering high-impact projects.
Infrastructure & Major Projects
The firm assists in designing, developing, and executing large-scale infrastructure projects, including roads, ports, energy, real estate, and urban projects. We advise on EPC, O&M, concession, BOT, and PPP contracts, providing continuous legal support throughout execution. Our intervention includes financing structuring, contract management, and resolving challenges during project delivery.
Banking, Finance & Insurance
CLKA advises banks, financial institutions, fintechs, and insurance companies on strategic and regulatory operations. We handle structured financing, syndications, innovative financial products, and OHADA security instruments such as pledges, mortgages, liens, and standalone guarantees. We also support financial actors in regulatory compliance, governance, insurance operations, and new business model structuring.
Real Estate & Property
Our team assists developers, investors, and operators in acquiring, securing, and developing projects. We advise on land structuring, commercial leases, development and construction operations, and urban/regulatory compliance, securing each step from land acquisition to project delivery.
Employment & Labor Law
CLKA advises companies on employment law matters, from drafting employment contracts and internal policies to managing individual and collective relations. We assist in disciplinary proceedings, social restructuring, international mobility, and negotiations with employee representatives. We also represent companies before labor courts in case of disputes.
Intellectual Property, Telecoms, Media & Technology (TMT)
We help companies protect and valorize intangible assets, including trademarks, patents, copyrights, and digital creations. CLKA also handles technology contracts, cybersecurity, personal data protection, and regulatory compliance for telecoms, media, and digital services, covering the full technological value chain from innovation to commercial exploitation.
Litigation & Arbitration
CLKA represents clients in commercial, financial, labor, and contractual disputes before Ivorian courts and the CCJA. We also handle institutional and ad hoc arbitration, providing precise strategic advice aligned with client objectives. Our team manages complex proceedings, protective measures, and cross-border recovery actions.
Opportunities
- Legal protection of investments and commercial contracts, securing local and cross-border operations.
- Harmonization of governance practices and regulatory compliance, enabling companies to grow confidently within OHADA and WAEMU frameworks.
- Support for cross-border transactions and international partnerships, assisting investors and companies in complex operations and strategic projects.
Key Figures (2024)
- Population: ~26 million
- GDP: USD 76 billion
- Average annual growth: 6%
- Key growth sectors: Agribusiness +5%, Energy +7%, Telecom & Digital Services +6%
Key Sectors
Agribusiness, Energy, Infrastructure, Finance, Telecoms, Real Estate, Services, Insurance, Media & Technology
Methodology
Structured and pragmatic approach: rapid regulatory diagnostics, tailored strategies, operational support, and post-operation follow-up to ensure legal security, compliance, and sustainability.
Local Contact
Abidjan Cocody – Deux Plateaux
Angle Boulevard Latrille – Rue de la Polyclinique des Deux Plateaux
Immeuble CLK Building, Côte d’Ivoire
T: +225 27 22 52 52 25
Email: info@clkavocats.com
