Within CERFAPS, Gildas Koffi Yapo analyzed the impact of digital platforms on Ivorian law.
Gildas Koffi Yapo, researcher at CERFAPS (Université de Bordeaux).
Thesis defended in 2025 at the doctoral school École doctorale de droit.
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The emergence of digital economic intermediation platforms in Côte d'Ivoire, such as Yango and Heetch, is significantly transforming the local economic landscape. These new forms of organizing exchanges, which rely on algorithmic intermediation, pose major legal challenges. Indeed, these platforms, while presenting themselves as mere interfaces facilitating transactions, profoundly influence the contractual relationships between users. They determine the economic, legal, and technical conditions for the operation of a two-sided market, thus exploiting network externalities. This dynamic raises essential questions about the very nature of commercial relationships in the digital age.
Take the example of Yango, which allows users to order rides via a mobile application. The platform does not merely connect drivers and passengers; it also imposes rules, fares, and terms of use that can vary from one region to another. This influence on contractual relationships is all the more pronounced in Côte d'Ivoire, where transportation regulations are still being developed.
The current legal framework in Côte d'Ivoire appears inadequate to address the specificities of these platforms. Gildas Koffi Yapo's thesis proposes a redefinition of legal statuses and a liability regime that takes into account the particularities of digital actors. By relying on comparative law, particularly French and European, this research aims to establish a coherent legal framework that protects users while promoting the development of the digital economy. This comparative approach is essential, as it allows for the identification of best practices and the avoidance of mistakes already made in other jurisdictions.
The results of this study reveal two categories of platforms: those that fit within existing legal classifications and those that require a specific status. This distinction is crucial for establishing an appropriate legal framework. For example, online retail platforms can be integrated into existing regulations, while intermediation platforms like Heetch, which fall under a more complex economic model, require special attention.
The research also highlights the importance of proactive regulation to ensure fair competition and user protection. This involves not only defining clear rules for platforms but also establishing control and sanction mechanisms in case of non-compliance with established standards. In West Africa, where digital economies are rapidly expanding, it is imperative that policymakers consider these issues to avoid an imbalance that could harm economic growth.
Policymakers must question how they can adapt Ivorian law to respond to these new realities. The issue of platform liability, user data protection, and regulation of business practices must be at the forefront of concerns. Indeed, without a solid legal framework, the growth potential of the digital economy in Côte d'Ivoire could be compromised.
Another aspect to consider is the protection of users' personal data. With the increase in online transactions, the collection and processing of data become crucial issues. Users must be assured that their information is protected and that their privacy is respected. This requires clear legislation and effective implementation mechanisms.
In conclusion, this thesis paves the way for in-depth reflection on the legal framework for digital platforms in Francophone Africa. It aims to offer applicable solutions to other African legal systems, thus contributing to the emergence of a secure and dynamic digital environment. By drawing on the experiences of developed countries while taking local specificities into account, it is possible to create a legal framework that not only protects users but also stimulates innovation and economic growth throughout the region.
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Sources and Access
Gildas Koffi Yapo. L'encadrement juridique de l'activité d'intermédiation économique des plateformes numériques en Côte d'Ivoire : analyse à la lumière du droit français. Droit. Université de Bordeaux, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025BORD0342⟩. ⟨tel-05575197⟩