Commercial Representation
West Africa market entry: Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and UEMOA
West Africa market entry is the process of launching a business in countries such as Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal, often from a base in Morocco. LB&S International Link analyses the region, chooses the first country, explains the OHADA business law and UEMOA framework, finds local partners and organises the setup on the ground.
Who it is for
- 01
Moroccan companies expanding into sub-Saharan Africa
- 02
European companies targeting French-speaking Africa
- 03
Gulf and MENA investors looking for African growth markets
- 04
Exporters wanting regional distribution
French-speaking West Africa is one of the most dynamic regions of the continent, and one of the most coherent for an investor. The eight UEMOA countries share a currency, the CFA franc (XOF), and with the other OHADA states a common body of business law.
That coherence makes a regional strategy possible: start in one country, then expand to its neighbours with the same structure and the same contracts. Our role is to choose the right starting point and open the doors that matter there.
What is included
- Regional market analysis
- A comparison of West African markets for your sector: size, growth, competition and access.
- Entry strategy
- The first country, the entry model and the expansion sequence for the region.
- Regulatory framework
- OHADA company law, UEMOA rules, local investment codes and the agencies that apply them.
- Setup on the ground
- Partners, registration, premises and recruitment, organised with our local network.
How it works
Compare
We compare the countries of the region for your project.
Choose
We agree the first market and the entry model.
Visit
We organise a market visit with qualified meetings.
Launch
We set up and launch, then plan the next country.
What you receive
- Regional comparison and recommended first market
- Entry strategy and expansion sequence
- Regulatory overview for the chosen country
- Programme of qualified meetings on the ground
- Setup plan and partner shortlist
Frequently asked questions
Which West African country should I enter first?
For many sectors, Côte d'Ivoire or Senegal. Côte d'Ivoire is the largest economy of the UEMOA zone, and Senegal offers a stable base with growing energy and infrastructure projects. The right answer depends on your sector, so we compare them for your project.
What is OHADA?
OHADA is the Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa. Its 17 member states, including Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal, share uniform acts on company law, commercial law, securities and arbitration, so a company structure that works in one country can be replicated in another.
Can I manage West Africa from Morocco?
Many companies do. Casablanca has direct flights to most West African capitals, and Moroccan banks are present across the region. A Moroccan base is often the most efficient way to run a regional business.
What is the currency of the UEMOA zone?
The West African CFA franc (XOF), issued by the BCEAO and pegged to the euro. It is shared by Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.