The Ivorian government has announced a major reform of the private sector workers' pension scheme, raising the minimum pension from 30,000 FCFA to 60,000 FCFA per month. This decision, adopted during the Council of Ministers meeting on October 1, 2025, marks a significant step in improving the living conditions of low-income retirees.

According to the authorities, this increase aims to guarantee a more decent minimum income for beneficiaries of the social security system, managed by the National Social Security Fund (CNPS). Approximately 39,000 retirees are affected by this increase, which will take effect at the end of October 2025, with full implementation planned for 2026.

In addition to raising the minimum pension, the reform introduces several technical adjustments. The annuity rate, used to calculate pensions, increases to 2% for the first 15 years of contributions, then to 1.7% thereafter. The maximum replacement rate, that is, the portion of the final salary paid as a pension, can reach 100% for long careers, compared to a previous cap of 50%.

The scheme also includes an expansion of orphans' rights. From now on, a child will be eligible for an orphan's pension in the event of the death of only one insured parent, whereas previously access was conditional on the death of both parents.

The government states that this reform is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve social protection and support the purchasing power of retirees. It comes amid a rising cost of living and recurring demands from unions and retiree associations for better social support.

With this measure, Ivory Coast joins several African countries committed to policies of strengthening pension systems, in the face of an aging population and growing social expectations.