The verdict in three sentences
In Ivory Coast, CEPICI (the investment promotion center) runs the one-stop shop for company creation, with an online platform. A SARL can be registered in 24 to 72 hours in Abidjan, with flexible capital and a quickly issued RCCM. The entreprenant status sharply reduces fees for micro-activities, around 10,000 to 15,000 FCFA in 2026.
The CEPICI one-stop shop in practice
CEPICI has centralized the court registry, the tax office (DFE, fiscal existence declaration) and social registration into a single entry point, physical in Abidjan and online. The process produces three key documents: the RCCM, the DFE and the CNPS declaration for employing staff.
Ivory Coast stands out with the entreprenant status: a light regime for very small activities (trade, crafts, services) with simplified tax and formalities, ideal for testing a project before switching to a SARL.
| Step | Where | Timeline (2026 estimate) | Cost (order of magnitude FCFA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | CEPICI one-stop shop | A few hours | Free to 5,000 |
| Filing articles | CEPICI (private) or notary | 1 to 2 days | 0 to 150,000 |
| RCCM registration | Registry via CEPICI | 24 to 72 h | 15,000 to 50,000 |
| Tax declaration (DFE) | DGI via CEPICI | Included | Free to 10,000 |
| CNPS declaration | CNPS via CEPICI | Included | Free |
| Entreprenant registration | CEPICI | 24 to 48 h | 10,000 to 15,000 |
Costs compared by legal form
The chosen form greatly changes the bill. Here are 2026 orders of magnitude in Abidjan.
| Form | Suggested capital | Estimated total fees | Overall timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entreprenant | None | 10,000 to 20,000 FCFA | 24 to 48 h |
| Sole proprietorship | None | 20,000 to 40,000 FCFA | 48 to 72 h |
| SARL (private deed) | 100,000 FCFA | 40,000 to 100,000 FCFA | 48 to 72 h |
| SARL (notary) | 100,000 FCFA+ | 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA | 3 to 7 days |
| SA | 10,000,000 FCFA | 400,000 to 700,000 FCFA | 1 to 2 weeks |
These are 2026 estimates; confirm the rates in force at CEPICI, which regularly runs reduced-fee campaigns.
Join the Kolonell referral network
In Abidjan, every new store or SME needs to sell online. By becoming a Kolonell referral partner, you are paid on every project you bring:
| Project type | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15% | 5% / month |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% / month |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
A 2,000,000 FCFA e-commerce project earns you 240,000 FCFA in commission, plus 5% recurring on maintenance.
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Mini case study
Ibrahim, a restaurateur in Abidjan, first registers as an entreprenant for 15,000 FCFA in 48 hours, then switches to a SARL a year later (estimated 80,000 FCFA by private deed). He entrusts Kolonell with a 2,000,000 FCFA online-ordering store. In parallel he refers two peers: referral commission 2 × 240,000 = 480,000 FCFA, more than enough to fund his own digital transformation.
FAQ
What is the entreprenant status?
It is a light Ivorian regime for very small activities, with simplified formalities and tax. Registration fees are around 10,000 to 15,000 FCFA and issuance is fast.
What capital for a SARL in Ivory Coast?
Capital is flexible: the articles may set 100,000 FCFA. This amount must be genuinely paid into a bank account in the company's name.
Can CEPICI register a company online?
Yes, a CEPICI online platform lets you launch and track the file, though some documents may still be filed at the counter.
How long for a SARL?
With a complete file, expect 24 to 72 hours for a private-deed SARL. The notarized route takes 3 to 7 days.
Which documents do you get?
At the end you receive the RCCM, the DFE (fiscal existence declaration) and, if you employ staff, a CNPS registration.
Let's talk about your project. You are launching in Abidjan and want to sell online from month one: let's talk. 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.