Wave
Mobile money1% on transfers, free deposits and withdrawals
Landed in Côte d'Ivoire in 2020 and forced the whole industry to cut prices. The small kiosks bearing its penguin logo now form the country's densest branch network.
Yamoussoukro
political capital
Yamoussoukro is the political capital of Côte d'Ivoire, home to about 300,000 people. It is known for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (one of the largest churches in the world) and the presidential palace, and moves at a far slower pace than Abidjan. Mobile money is just as widespread — Wave and Orange Money lead daily payments; getting around town runs on the operators and ride-sharing, while longer trips to Abidjan usually mean UTAS or SOTRA buses. Below are the apps that genuinely get used here, grouped by need.
Mobile money
Mobile money
Your phone number is the account for everyday small payments.
Orange Money
Mobile moneyAbout 13.8 million active accounts, the country's largest cash-out network
The pioneer of Ivorian mobile money, launched in 2008. Its orange kiosks blanket cities and villages alike; an ID document is enough to open an account in minutes.
MTN MoMo
Mobile money0% on deposits and in-app withdrawals since August 2025
E-money wallet launched in 2009. For its 20th anniversary in Côte d'Ivoire, MTN announced in August 2025 that deposits and in-app withdrawals would be free. Pays CIE, SODECI and Canal+ bills.
Djamo
Mobile moneyHomegrown Ivorian fintech: account, Visa card and savings in one app
A digital account built for freelancers and small merchants. It bridges mobile wallets and traditional banking: IBAN, physical Visa card and scheduled savings.
Getting around & intercity
Getting around & intercity
In town, operators and ride-hailing; for long trips, buses or a domestic flight.
Uber
TransportThe go-to for airport runs and expat users
Less widespread than Yango in Abidjan, but still the reference for airport runs, business travel and expat users, with an interface and account that work worldwide.
Google Maps
Entertainment & toolsAbidjan's addressing is complex, making navigation essential
Street numbering is incomplete, so a meeting point is often described as 'street X, near the pharmacy'. Sharing a pin has become standard, for meeting up and for deliveries alike.
Orange Côte d'Ivoire
Local servicesOne place for SIM, data plans and account self-care
One of Côte d'Ivoire's largest operators. The My Orange / Mon Espace app handles SIM activation, data top-ups, billing and ties into Orange Money. A passport is enough to open an account in a shop — often the first thing to do on arrival.
MTN Côte d'Ivoire
Local servicesSecond operator, self-care and MoMo wallet in one
MTN is a leading operator. The myMTN app combines line management, data plans and the MTN MoMo wallet. Open an account in-store with an ID; coverage is solid in Abidjan and major cities.
Shopping & second-hand
Shopping & second-hand
The main entry points for new and second-hand buying.
Jumia
Commerce & deliveryAfrica's largest marketplace, operating in Côte d'Ivoire for years
Phones, appliances and fashion: the catalogue is broad, payment goes straight through mobile wallets, delivery covers Abidjan and major cities, with a pickup-point and returns network.
CoinAfrique
Commerce & deliveryFrancophone Africa's largest classifieds community
Classifieds across a dozen Francophone African countries (Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal…). Used cars, rentals, phones, appliances — the lot. In Côte d'Ivoire, second-hand trade and rentals lean heavily on it, with direct buyer-seller contact via WhatsApp.
Communication
WhatsApp
Social & messaging
Facebook
Social & messaging
Communication
The hub of local communities and business.
Used by 98.3% of young people — the national messaging tool
Data bundles that zero-rate it have made it the national reflex: family groups, business groups and delivery coordination all happen here.
94% of young people — home of local communities and second-hand trade
Marketplace and local groups are where people actually buy and sell used phones, furniture and vehicles. Many small businesses have no website — just a Facebook page.
Local services
Local services
Flights and operator self-care.
Air Côte d'Ivoire
Local servicesThe national carrier, serving West Africa and domestic cities
The Ivorian national airline, hubbed in Abidjan, flies across West Africa (Dakar, Lagos, Accra…) and to domestic cities such as Bouaké, Korhogo and San-Pédro. Its site and app handle booking, online check-in and ticketing, and mobile money is accepted.
Orange Côte d'Ivoire
Local servicesOne place for SIM, data plans and account self-care
One of Côte d'Ivoire's largest operators. The My Orange / Mon Espace app handles SIM activation, data top-ups, billing and ties into Orange Money. A passport is enough to open an account in a shop — often the first thing to do on arrival.
MTN Côte d'Ivoire
Local servicesSecond operator, self-care and MoMo wallet in one
MTN is a leading operator. The myMTN app combines line management, data plans and the MTN MoMo wallet. Open an account in-store with an ID; coverage is solid in Abidjan and major cities.
At a glance
Yamoussoukro — key facts
- Population About 300,000 (2024)
- Capital status De jure capital since 1983 (Abidjan remains the economic capital)
- Distance from Abidjan About 240 km, a 3–4 hour drive
- Landmark Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (one of the world's largest churches)
- Official language French
FAQ
Yamoussoukro — FAQ
Is Yamoussoukro the capital of Côte d'Ivoire?
Yes — the de jure capital since 1983, home to the presidential palace and most state institutions; Abidjan remains the economic capital and the commercial and population centre.
How do I get from Yamoussoukro to Abidjan?
About 240 km. The usual options are UTAS or SOTRA intercity buses (a 3–4 hour drive); you can also take an Air Côte d'Ivoire domestic flight or drive the A3 motorway.
What do people use to pay in Yamoussoukro?
As everywhere, the mobile wallet leads: Wave charges 1% on transfers with free deposits and withdrawals, and Orange Money has the widest coverage. Cash is still king with small vendors.
What is there to see in Yamoussoukro?
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (open to visitors), the presidential palace from outside, the crocodile lake in the presidential grounds, and spots like Paradis des Éléphants. Taxis or ride-hailing connect the sights.