What is the CAPPI and what is its role in Ivorian real estate?
The CAPPI is the Commission for the Approval of Real Estate Developers and Programs, established by Decree 2013-223 of 22/03/2013. It examines and grants official approval to real estate developers as well as approval of real estate programs in Ivory Coast.
Definition complete
A Pivotal Commission for Real Estate Development
The CAPPI — Commission for the Approval of Real Estate Developers and Programs — was established by Decree No. 2013-223 of March 22, 2013. It is attached to the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Urban Planning (MCLU — Ministère de la Construction, du Logement et de l'Urbanisme).
A Dual Mandate
The CAPPI operates at two levels:
- Developer Approval: any real estate developer wishing to operate in Ivory Coast must first obtain official approval, which certifies their solvency, technical capacity, and regulatory compliance.
- Approval of Real Estate Programs: each program (subdivision, building, residential complex) must be submitted to the CAPPI for validation before commercialization.
Why Verify CAPPI Approval?
For a buyer — particularly those in the diaspora — CAPPI approval is an indicator of the developer's reliability. It does not guarantee the final quality of a project, but it attests that at the time of approval, the developer met solvency and legal compliance requirements.
The absence of CAPPI approval or a program not approved by the commission constitute two major warning signals for an investor.
Where to Verify an Approval?
Information can be requested from the MCLU (call center 1378) or through the One-Stop Building Permit Office (GUPC — Guichet Unique du Permis de Construire). A list of approved developers is periodically published in the magazine BÂTIR (MCLU).
Exemple concret
Yao is considering purchasing an apartment under VEFA (sale in the state of future completion). Before signing, he requests the developer's CAPPI registration number and verifies the real estate program's approval by the commission. This is a fundamental due diligence step.
Sources juridiques
Décret n° 2013-223 du 22/03/2013 portant création de la CAPPI, BÂTIR N°008 (2024), BÂTIR N°001 (2018)
Questions frequentes
Can a program without CAPPI approval be marketed?
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Autres termes du glossaire
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The Rural Land Agency (AFOR — Agence Foncière Rurale) is the public institution responsible for implementing rural land policy in Ivory Coast. It oversees land certification, registration of rural properties, and coordination of boundary demarcation and surveying operations.
Legal document drafted by a notary that formalizes the transfer of land ownership between a seller and a buyer. The notarized deed of sale is mandatory and confers authenticity on the transaction.
Legal entity that must be established with a minimum share capital of 2 million FCFA held by Ivorian nationals, holding an approval from the Minister responsible for Housing and a financial guarantee from a bank or insurance company.
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