• Legal and Regulatory Framework

In order to better combat illegal and non-compliant constructions and to further structure the development of cities, the Government has adopted several legal texts. The Government's interventions should ultimately contribute to improving the business environment by regulating the construction sector and accelerating the issuance of Building Permits. 

• At the General Level:

  • Law No. 2019-576 of June 26, 2019, establishing the Construction and Housing Code, which updates the standards for construction and housing, and clarifies the role of each stakeholder and professional in the sector. 

• Regarding Professionals in the Sector: 

  • Law No. 2018-868 of November 19, 2018, concerning the profession of architect; 

  • Law No. 2024-239 of April 24, 2024, concerning the professions of engineers and consulting engineers in the construction sector. 

These laws ensure better quality of services offered and reduce the risks of violations of construction standards by establishing precise standards for building professionals (architects, engineers). 

• Regarding the Management of State Real Estate Assets:

  • Decree No. 2022-118 of February 23, 2022, dissolving the public industrial and commercial establishment known as the State Real Estate Asset Management Company (SOGEPIE); 

  • Decree No. 2022-117 of February 23, 2022, creating the National Company for the Management of State Real Estate Assets, abbreviated as "SONAPIE"; 

  • Decree No. 2023-644 of July 4, 2023, setting the terms for the transfer of State real estate assets. 

The transformation of SOGEPIE into a single company for the management of State real estate assets, named SONAPIE, aims to rationalize and optimize the management of State real estate assets. 

• Regarding the Building Permit: 

  •  Decree No. 2019-219 of March 13, 2019, amending Decree No. 2015-195 of March 24, 2015, establishing the creation, attribution, composition, and functioning of the Single Window for Building Permits; 

  • Decree No. 2019-594 of July 3, 2019, regulating the building permit. 

These various texts establish: 

• A Construction Control Unit bringing together the technical departments of the MCLU, the District, and the Municipalities of the Abidjan District; 

• The mandatory engagement of project owners with an architect and a consulting engineer to ensure the reliability and stability of constructions (greater than R+2);

• The compliance control of the construction with the granted permit. This reform ensures that we have constructions that are compliant and respectful of the rules in this area; 

• The obligation for the project owner to obtain insurance for the construction site. 

The requirement for project owners to engage architects, consulting engineers, and insurance guarantees more stable constructions that comply with safety standards. This reduces the risks of accidents and non-compliance. 

• Major Achievements in Construction 

Regarding the Construction and Rehabilitation of Public Buildings 

The Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Urban Planning oversees the project management or delegated project ownership of construction and maintenance projects for public buildings. In this capacity, several major construction and rehabilitation projects have been completed, such as the rehabilitation of Towers A and B of the Administrative City (CITAD), the rehabilitation of the Postel 2001 building, the rehabilitation of the Grand Presidential Palace, the construction of the Guest Palace in Cocody, the construction of the building housing the Ministry of the Interior and Security, and the construction of the Esplanade of the Presidency of the Republic. Other projects are currently underway, including (i) the rehabilitation of Tower C of CITAD in Plateau, (ii) the rehabilitation of the SEBROKO building in Attécoubé, and (iii) the construction of Tower F at CITAD in Plateau. 

Regarding Construction Control

Construction control in urban areas has seen notable expansion thanks to the Urban Investigation and Control Brigade Service (SBICU). In 2023, 18,874 buildings were inspected compared to 14,198 in 2022, representing an increase of 32.93%. The number of building collapses has significantly decreased, from 11 in 2020 to 3 in 2023. In response to violations of construction rules and the risks of instability in certain buildings, the SBICU has carried out several demolitions (165 demolitions in 2022 and 103 in 2023). However, the number of constructions without building permits remains high. The GUPC issues an average of 2,000 building permits per year. Actions are being taken to increase requests and the issuance of building permits. 

Activities of the Urban Investigation and Control Brigade Service (SBICU)

Sources: MCLU, SBICU 

Perspectives 

The Government plans to continue carrying out major construction works and the enhancement of certain sites. These include: 

• The rehabilitation project of the BICICI building in Abidjan-Plateau; 

• The rehabilitation project of the Pyramide building in Abidjan-Plateau; 

• The construction project of the African Renaissance Library of Abidjan (BRAA) coupled with the construction project "Place de la Nation" in Abidjan-Plateau;

• The construction project of the triple towers on the site of the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP) in Plateau (a Protocol Agreement was signed in June 2023); 

• The construction project of five (5) administrative towers in Abidjan; 

• The construction project of nine (9) mini-administrative cities in the interior of the country.