The General Confederation of Enterprises of Ivory coast (CGECI), the country’s leading employers’ organization, is embarking on a major decentralization initiative to strengthen its regional presence.
The announcement came during its ordinary and extraordinary general meeting held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in Abidjan.
“Our texts have been modified to allow us to open delegations in the interior districts,” said Mr. Stéphane Aka Anghui, executive director of CGECI, in the presence of representatives from member associations and affiliated groups.
The initiative will initially target three pilot districts: Korhogo in the North, Savanes, and Bas-Sassandra. Branches will be established there before a gradual rollout to all 14 districts of the country.
Mr. Aka Anghui explained that the reform aims to bring the organization closer to its regional members and to provide more robust support to the State in improving the business environment. Until now, CGECI’s operations have been largely concentrated in Abidjan, limiting the voice of regional SMEs that often face challenges accessing decision-making channels.
On the financial front, the organization highlighted progress in achieving operational autonomy. The CGECI has successfully leveraged the Special Equipment Tax (TSE), its primary resource entrusted by the State for nearly fifteen years.
“When we started, our own resources represented barely 10% of our activities. Today, they cover more than half, and for three years, the CGECI has been ensuring its day-to-day operations alone,” Mr. Aka Anghui said, adding that the goal is full autonomy “within three and a half years.”
The General Meeting unanimously approved the activity report and financial statements for the past year and appointed two new directors, including a representative from the mining sector.
The session was chaired by Ahmed Cissé, President of CGECI and recently appointed head of the Alliance of Francophone Employers (APF). The meeting comes just days before the CGECI Academy (September 29-30, 2025), the country’s largest private sector economic forum.
This year’s forum will focus on proximity and organizational autonomy and will welcome the President of the African Development Bank, alongside a prominent delegation from Morocco, the guest of honor.
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