The verdict in three sentences
In 2026, CEPICI's one-stop shop in Abidjan is among the fastest in the UEMOA zone: a company is registered in 24 to 48 hours, through a largely digital journey. In one place you obtain the RCCM and the DFE (tax existence declaration), for a ballpark of 15,000 to 50,000 FCFA in formalities. The SARL and the SAS create a limited-liability legal entity, whereas the sole proprietorship exposes your personal assets.
Sole proprietorship, SARL or SAS: the comparison
Ivory Coast has popularized the SAS, more flexible than the SARL for fundraising and shareholder agreements. The table below sums up the 2026 trade-offs.
| Criterion | Sole proprietorship | SARL | SAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Members | 1 | 1 or more | 1 or more |
| Liability | Unlimited | Limited to contributions | Limited to contributions |
| Minimum capital | None | Free (often 100,000 FCFA) | Free (1,000,000 FCFA usual) |
| Statutory flexibility | N/A | Medium | High |
| Fit for fundraising | No | Medium | Yes |
| Setup fees (2026 ballpark) | 15,000 – 25,000 FCFA | 25,000 – 45,000 FCFA | 30,000 – 50,000 FCFA |
For a digital startup targeting investors, the SAS is the go-to vehicle in Abidjan in 2026; for simple services, the SARL is enough.
The steps at CEPICI's one-stop shop
CEPICI gathers the relevant administrations in a single place (and a single online portal). The typical journey is five steps.
| Step | Action | Indicative 2026 timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name and statutes | Name reservation + statutes | 1 day |
| 2. Online filing | Single CEPICI form | A few hours |
| 3. RCCM issuance | Trade register | 24 – 48 h total |
| 4. Tax registration | DFE + taxpayer account number | Included |
| 5. Business bank account | Capital deposit and collection | 3 – 7 days |
As in Senegal, the business bank account is issued by the bank, not the one-stop shop: plan for that delay before invoicing.
Mini case study
Ibrahim, a developer in Abidjan, sets up a web-services SARL with one partner. CEPICI formalities cost him 40,000 FCFA, private-deed statutes included. Within 2 business days he holds RCCM and DFE. He then deposits 100,000 FCFA of capital to open his business account. Total administrative launch cost: about 45,000 FCFA, versus over 200,000 FCFA had he gone through a full notarized SAS structure.
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FAQ
How long to register a company at CEPICI in 2026?
24 to 48 hours for RCCM registration and the DFE via the one-stop shop, often online. Opening the bank account adds 3 to 7 days.
SARL or SAS for a digital business?
The SARL suffices for simple services. The SAS, more flexible on statutes and investor entries, wins if you aim to raise funds.
How much do CEPICI formalities cost?
A ballpark of 15,000 to 50,000 FCFA depending on the form, excluding capital and any advisor or notary fees.
Is there a minimum capital?
Capital is free for both SARL and SAS since the OHADA reforms; in practice many set 100,000 FCFA, with the SAS often starting higher.
How do I become a Kolonell referral partner from Ivory Coast?
You refer an Ivorian or diaspora client, we convert them, you get commissioned: 15% + 5% recurring on showcase, 12% e-commerce, 10% marketplace, 8% institutional.
Let's talk about your project. We launch your professional site the moment your CEPICI RCCM is issued, and you can become a Kolonell referral partner (15% + 5% recurring). WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
