COTE D’IVOIRE Law and Practice Contributed by: Assemian Kouakou, Innocent Kouakou, Francky Lukanda and Lamine N’Diaye, Ofori Conseils Africa LLP
which regulates the digital distribution and manage- ment of insurance contracts with requirements for security, customer identification and data protection. In 2025, Regulation No 0002/CIMA/PCMA/PCE/2025, adopted on 10 July 2025, came into force. It supple- ments and adapts the regimes for life and non-life insurance contracts to incorporate digital practices. These reforms align contractual clauses, underwriting processes, contract management and claims settle- ment with electronic channels. The regulator has also organised seminars on cybersecurity and electronic underwriting to support the implementation of these new practices in the CIMA zone. 11. Emerging Risks and New Products 11.1 Emerging Risks Affecting the Insurance Market The insurance market in Côte d’Ivoire faces several emerging risks, including the rise of cyberattacks, dis- asters linked to urbanisation and climate change, as well as construction and health risks. In response, between 2024 and 2025, the regulator adopted a set of key reforms, including Regulation No 01/CIMA/PCMA/CE/SG/2024 on digital distribu- tion and cybersecurity, as well as Regulation No 0002/ CIMA/PCMA/PCE/2025 and Regulation No 0003/ CIMA/PCMA/PCE/SG/2025 on anti-money launder- ing, which incorporate digitalisation into life and non- life contracts and strengthen AML/CFT requirements for digital distribution. In addition, in December 2025, the Ivorian govern- ment introduced compulsory construction insurance (all risks and ten-year liability) to address the growing risks associated with urbanisation and infrastructure collapses. Finally, the sector is accelerating the integration of insurtech solutions and artificial intelligence, particu- larly for claims management, customer relationship automation and personal data processing. In life
insurance, recent reforms have adapted contractual mechanisms and technical provisions to anticipate the effects of increased life expectancy and better man- age longevity risks. 11.2 New Products or Alternative Solutions See 11.1 Emerging Risks Affecting the Insurance Market . 12. Developments in Insurance Law 12.1 Significant Legislative or Regulatory Developments Significant legislative and regulatory developments in Côte d’Ivoire include the adoption on 3 December 2025 by the Council of Ministers of a bill amending the 2019 Ivorian Construction and Housing Code, impos- ing two compulsory insurance policies for all con- struction sites: comprehensive construction insurance and ten-year civil liability insurance, covering damage to third parties in the event of ruin due to construc- tion or maintenance defects. These measures aim to structure the building and public works sector, reduce unregulated construction and protect users/owners, with reinforced penalties. CIMA 2025 Measures CIMA Regulations No 0002/CIMA/PCMA/PCE/2025 and No 0003/CIMA/PCMA/PCE/SG/2025 modify life/non-life contract regimes for digitalisation and tighten AML/CFT on digital channels, protecting con- sumers through enhanced identification and audits. Regulation No 01/CIMA/PCMA/CE/SG/2024 already regulates electronic distribution with data protection standards. Consumer Protection and Insolvency The Life Insurance Forum held on 3 and 4 Decem- ber 2025, organised by ASACI ( Association des Soci - etes d’Assurances de C ô te d’Ivoire ) and the Insur- ance Directorate, promoted life insurance as a pillar of social protection, with no new specific complaint bodies reported.
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