The Ivorian government adopted, on Wednesday, October 1st, a set of major measures aimed at modernizing and strengthening the retirement system for private sector workers. These ambitious reforms of the General Regime of Salaried Workers (RGTS) reflect the authorities’ desire to improve the social protection of retirees and their families.
The first advancement concerns the substantial increase in minimum pensions. The minimum pension amount is doubled, from 30,000 to 60,000 CFA francs, benefiting 39,156 retirees from 2026. In the same spirit, the minimum proportional pension is raised from 30,000 to 37,000 CFA francs, improving the income of an additional 6,027 beneficiaries.
Another key measure is the improvement of the annuity rate, now set at 2% for the first fifteen years of career, compared to 1.7% previously, while remaining unchanged thereafter. This development will significantly increase the rights of 7,050 insured individuals, especially those who have had long careers.
The government also introduces an increase in the maximum replacement rate, which goes from 50% to 100%. A historic advancement: employees who have contributed throughout their professional lives can now receive a pension equivalent to their last salary, thus establishing a principle of fairness and recognition of their professional journey.
Finally, the reform expands the right to orphan’s pension. From now on, any child who has lost one parent – father or mother – will be entitled to it, whereas previously the loss of both parents was required. Orphans under 21 will receive a pension along with the surviving spouse. This measure will increase the number of beneficiaries from less than 200 currently to nearly 1,836 in 2026, marking a significant social advancement for families.
Overall, these reforms, which will be implemented gradually, represent a decisive step towards a fairer, more inclusive retirement system that is better adapted to the country’s socio-economic realities. They are expected to sustainably improve the living conditions of retirees and their dependents, while promoting the formalization of private employment and confidence in the Ivorian social security system.
