In Abidjan, culinary tradition meets technological modernity. In the neighborhoods of the economic capital, restaurateurs are gradually replacing their traditional methods with digital tools. While this transition promises increased revenue, it also presents a daily logistical challenge.

The digital revolution is on the menu

In Riviera Bonoumin (Cocody), the atmosphere is studious. This Thursday, May 7th, around a hundred SME managers—ranging from renowned brands to famous garba vendors and allocodrome owners—are participating in a training session on digitalization. The objective is clear: to transform the smartphone into a powerful growth driver.

The results are already tangible for some pioneers:

1. Sanfo Souleymane (Garba Choco Chez Souley): Recorded a 45% jump in sales in April thanks to a featured placement on the platform.
2. Miss N'Guessan (Allo Alloco): Notes a 20% increase in her turnover, making digital now "indispensable".

The challenges of the "last mile"

Despite the enthusiasm, the road to perfect digitalization is fraught with obstacles. Restaurateurs are not hiding their frustrations with the realities on the ground:

1. Technical instability: Internet connection problems and power outages.
2. Fragile logistics: Order tablets out of order and delicate transport of dishes.
3. Delivery quality: Some meals arrive damaged, and the losses are often borne by the restaurant owner.

"We need to find concrete solutions. Almost all restaurant owners are facing the same difficulties," insists Miss N'Guessan.

A market driven by the explosion of Mobile Money

The transformation of these small businesses is part of an impressive national trend. In Côte d'Ivoire, the sector's figures demonstrate a profound shift in habits:

Indicator	Statistics (End of 2025)
Internet Penetration	40.7% (compared to 17% in 2019)
Internet Users	13.4 million (90% via mobile)
Mobile Money Accounts	24 million assets
E-commerce payments via Mobile Money	72%

The Ivorian e-commerce market is expected to reach $5.5 billion by the end of 2025, with projected annual growth of 11% until 2027.

Support, the key to success

For platforms like Glovo , which collaborates with over 1,500 partners, 90% of whom are SMEs, the challenge is now educational. El Yazid Alaoui , sales director, notes a growing maturity: "Today, partners are seeking to better understand how the applications work."

Sylvestre Danho , a trainer, makes a clear observation: customers no longer discover restaurants by walking past them, but by scrolling on their screens. For local businesses in Ivory Coast, the future now hinges on notifications and clicks.