Urbanisation and housing in the face of weather risks in Africa: The case of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Every year, the floods in Abidjan kill dozens of people and cause extensive property damage. This is likely to intensify with climate change and rampant urbanisation. Given the Ivorian government’s policy of access to economic and social housing, this vulnerability to flood risks in West Africa’s first financial hub could hinder the country in achieving its goals for growth. The recurrence of floods and the increasing cost of property damage caused by bad weather in Abidjan highlight obvious problems in implementing a flood risk management plan adapted to the threat.

This article attempts to provide an analysis of the legal and regulatory measures taken (the list is not exhaustive) to increase the resilience of the Abidjan district to the risk of flooding. It also offers recommendations that could be implemented by the Ivorian authorities to enhance the flood risk management initiatives and measures already undertaken.