Côte d'Ivoire : 4000€ par mois pour un PENTHOUSE de luxe

The luxury market in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, is experiencing significant growth, attracting both international brands and local entrepreneurs. This boom is fueled by an increasing number of wealthy individuals, including a projected rise in dollar millionaires, who are seeking extraordinary products, services, and experiences. The real estate sector is a prime example of this trend. Aurélie, a former actress turned luxury real estate agent, showcases a high-end apartment in Biétriie with stunning panoramic views of the lagoon and sea. This 2000 m² property, featuring a gigantic living room, a Jacuzzi, a fully equipped kitchen with state-of-the-art materials, and a 360 m² terrace, commands a monthly rent of over 3 million CFA francs. The affluent expatriate clients view this as a significant advantage, finding it exceptional and within their budget. New luxury buildings are emerging in areas like Zone 4 and Cocody, catering to business directors and expatriates seeking comfort and a high standard of living. This luxury real estate surge is personified by Stanis Lazé, a serial entrepreneur and influential businessman. He has invested 1.7 billion CFA francs in a contemporary architectural gem in Bassam, featuring imported Italian furniture, rooms with panoramic views, and a suspended pool. Lazé emphasizes that luxury is synonymous with refined comfort. He is confident in the profitability of his investment, projecting a doubling of its value within five years and plans further real estate projects totaling 14 billion CFA francs over the next eight years. He views real estate as a resilient investment that appreciates over time, especially in an economy with strong resilience like Côte d'Ivoire's. Beyond real estate, the fashion industry is also embracing the luxury "made in Africa" concept. Erica Duparc, the creator of "Ncha," a luxury African clothing and accessories brand, has opened a boutique in Cocody. Her store offers a wide array of items, with a focus on 100% made-in-Africa luxury. Her signature product, the "carre d'Afrique" (African silk scarf), priced between 80,000 and 180,000 CFA francs, has earned her the nickname "the African Hermès." While inspired by African history, her products are manufactured in Europe to meet stringent quality standards, with French and Italian factories producing them to the same level as renowned luxury houses. The design and motif reproduction alone cost Erica a minimum of 1.6 million CFA francs, potentially reaching 3.27 million CFA francs, plus logistics. A significant challenge for Erica is pricing her products competitively for her clientele, who do not belong to the hyper-luxury consumer segment. She expresses a desire for local manufacturing capabilities in Côte d'Ivoire to reduce production costs and increase profit margins, but the lack of suitable factories and expertise currently prevents this. The culinary scene is also elevating to luxury standards. Chef Louis Dablé, a renowned West African chef known for his exacting standards, conducts training sessions for hotel staff in Abidjan. He stresses the importance of precision and consistency in luxury gastronomy, aiming to achieve international standards while retaining an African identity. His approach involves training teams to understand global culinary codes and interpret them with a distinct African flair. For example, a traditional dish like "sauce feuille" is presented with local fish, plantains, and yams, while international elements like moringa, a local and inexpensive product, are transformed into luxury items like macarons. The philosophy is to create unforgettable experiences for clients, paying attention to every detail, from the choice of ingredients to the presentation. The concierge service sector is also thriving. Laetitia Ono, a former Miss Côte d'Ivoire and businesswoman, founded "WW," one of the country's first luxury concierge services, ten years ago. Her company's motto is "No is not an answer." Clients can subscribe for annual access, with prices ranging from 1.2 million CFA francs for 5-day-a-week access to 3 million CFA francs for 24/7 service with a dedicated concierge. These subscriptions grant access to a wide range of services, often surprising and unpredictable, which Laetitia and her team are committed to fulfilling, provided the client is willing to pay the price. She recounts an instance where she arranged for the delivery of flowers and chocolates to Sierra Leone and Liberia by chartering a plane, costing nearly 2 million CFA francs. Laetitia is currently seeking an unusual venue for a private party with an unlimited budget, exploring options like transforming a seemingly ordinary urban space with a pool into an extraordinary event location. The digital realm is another significant avenue for luxury and influence. Diana Bouly, a Cameroonian content creator, has achieved remarkable success on TikTok. She creates engaging videos, often featuring vintage themes and elaborate costumes, which have garnered her millions of followers. Her content, which includes challenges, dance, and beauty tutorials, as well as social commentary on domestic violence, showcases her creativity and dedication. Creating these videos, particularly when recreating historical figures like the Cameroonian singer Eto'o Fils, can take weeks of work. Diana emphasizes that social media can turn unknowns into celebrities, highlighting how her online presence brought her to Abidjan and opened doors to numerous opportunities. Diana collaborates with other influencers, forming a group called "La Fraternelle des Créateurs Francophones" (The Francophone Creators' Brotherhood), to promote African culture and countries. They support each other and benefit from cross-promotional activities. Influencers like Diana are increasingly monetizing their online fame through brand partnerships. Abidjan, being a hub for show business, has become an attractive location for such talent. Diana has partnered with Alexandre Branger, a manager who handles her business affairs, including brand collaborations and financial management, allowing her to focus on content creation. The monetization of online content in West Africa primarily relies on influencer marketing, as direct platform monetization is not yet widely available. Brands are actively seeking influencers to promote their products. Diana has secured a significant contract as an ambassador for a new alcoholic beverage, a collaboration that is expected to increase her visibility across various media platforms. While the exact sum is undisclosed, the contract is valued in the millions of CFA francs. Beyond her influencer career, Diana is also venturing into acting. She plays the character of Oliana, a 17-year-old from a wealthy family, in a successful television series. Despite having no formal acting training, her experience on social media has proven beneficial. Diana's journey exemplifies how social media platforms can facilitate the realization of dreams, enabling individuals from humble beginnings to achieve widespread recognition and opportunities. The influencer market, while competitive, offers significant potential for those who can distinguish themselves.