Advertising Sector Contributes 1% to Côte d’Ivoire’s GDP, Regulator Seeks Greater Growth

Côte d’Ivoire's advertising industry contributes approximately 1% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), highlighting the sector's growing role in the national economy, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Speaking during the government's weekly "Tout Savoir Sur" (TSS) information forum organized by the Government Information and Communication Center (CICG), Alassane Koné, Technical Adviser at the Higher Council for Advertising (CSP), said the advertising market is currently valued at around 30 billion CFA francs.

"Today, the advertising market is estimated at 1% of GDP, representing approximately 30 billion CFA francs," Koné said during discussions focused on the regulation of the advertising sector in Côte d’Ivoire.

While acknowledging the industry's significant economic contribution, Koné said the Ministry of Communication aims to further expand and modernize the sector.

"We are implementing a series of reforms and restructuring measures to make the sector more vibrant, dynamic and better organized," he said.

The Higher Council for Advertising, the country's regulatory authority for the sector, has positioned itself as a modern and proactive regulator seeking to support the industry's development while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

As part of these efforts, the CSP has accelerated its digital transformation process, significantly reducing administrative procedures. According to Koné, the approval process for advertising content now takes between 24 and 72 hours, improving efficiency for businesses and advertising agencies.

The government has also intensified efforts to address challenges related to urban disorder and unauthorized outdoor advertising. In 2025, a total of 106 advertising agencies were officially licensed to operate in the country.

To curb illegal billboards and uncontrolled advertising displays, Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly suspended the issuance of new advertising licenses, a move authorities say is intended to improve regulation and promote a more structured advertising environment.

Officials believe that strengthening governance, improving regulatory oversight and embracing digitalization will enable the advertising industry to play an even greater role in supporting Côte d’Ivoire's economic growth in the years ahead.