Côte d'Ivoire introduces mandatory licenses for live performance sector

The Ivorian Ministry of Culture and Francophonie has announced a new regulatory framework for the live performance sector. Under Decree No. 0750/MCF/CAB signed by Minister Françoise Remarck, all individuals or legal entities operating in the performing arts must obtain a specific license.

The reform establishes three distinct license categories: License A for venue operators, License B for producers and tour entrepreneurs, and License C for distributors. To improve security and economic tracking, the ministry is also mandating the certification of venues and requiring computerized ticketing for any event held in a venue with more than 200 seats.

While the government views this as a necessary step to structure a fragmented and often informal sector, the move has sparked debate among artists and organizers. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential financial burden of the entry costs and the administrative constraints these requirements may place on small-scale cultural structures and independent performers. A pilot phase for Licenses B and C is scheduled to take place between September 15 and October 14, 2026.