Côte d’Ivoire advances formalization of domestic work sector

Ivory Coast’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalizing and formalizing the domestic work sector, a vital component of the national economy and daily household operations.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training, Maurice Grah, Deputy Director of Studies and Social Security Development, emphasized this pledge during the inaugural DOMEX Awards ceremony held on June 16, 2026, in Abidjan-Cocody. The event coincided with International Domestic Workers’ Day.

The DOMEX Awards 2026, organized by Aurée Services and the Ivorian Association of Private Employment Agency Actors (AIAEP), aim to bolster national efforts toward professionalizing and formalizing the domestic workforce. These initiatives align with the decent work principles championed by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The event also commemorated the 15th anniversary of ILO Convention No. 189, which Ivory Coast ratified in April 2025 and implemented in 2026.

From informal labor to recognized profession

« For decades, domestic work has remained undervalued and predominantly informal, leaving countless workers vulnerable to unstable conditions and a lack of social protections, » Grah noted.

The government has prioritized decent work, social inclusion, and the expansion of social protections as national objectives. This commitment materialized in the ratification of Convention No. 189, which now grants domestic workers the same fundamental rights as other employees. With support from the ILO and social partners, several key steps have been taken, including:

• A nationwide study on the sector conducted in 2024;
• The development of ten training and certification frameworks in 2025;
• Ongoing efforts to establish a tailored regulatory framework, including standardized contracts, professional classifications, and fair wage scales aligned with decent work standards.

Adama Kamara, representing the minister, highlighted that these measures reflect the government’s determination to improve the livelihoods and working conditions of domestic workers sustainably.

Celebrating progress and advocating for change

Noëlie Kotty, ILO Country Director and Coordinator of the AGRIDOM project, praised Ivory Coast’s ratification of Convention No. 189 and progress in formalizing the sector. She described the DOMEX Awards as a pivotal platform to honor the contributions of domestic workers while advancing their rights.

Annick Désirée Dogba, Founder and President of the Household Staff Association, echoed the call for improved working conditions. « We want our situation to change, » she stated. « In this field, we still face numerous challenges that demand urgent attention. »

The inaugural DOMEX Awards brought together representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI), labor unions such as DIGNITÉ, private employment agencies, and domestic workers from across the country.