Ivory Coast vs El Salvador
Crypto regulation comparison
Ivory Coast
El Salvador
No Regulation
Legal
Ivory Coast has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. As a WAEMU member under BCEAO oversight, it follows regional monetary policy. Growing fintech interest is driving discussions around crypto regulation.
El Salvador made history in September 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender through the Bitcoin Law. However, under a January 2025 IMF agreement (Decreto 199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles. There is no capital gains tax on Bitcoin. The CNAD regulates digital assets.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BCEAO (Central Bank of West African States)
Regulator
BCR (Banco Central de Reserva), CNAD (Comisión Nacional de Activos Digitales)
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
USD is the primary currency; Bitcoin-specific legislation in place
Key Points
- No specific national cryptocurrency legislation
- BCEAO provides regional monetary and regulatory oversight
- Part of the WAEMU monetary zone using the CFA franc
- Growing fintech sector driving interest in crypto
- No formal licensing framework for crypto businesses
Key Points
- First country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021 via the Bitcoin Law
- Government developed the Chivo wallet for citizens, offering $30 USD in BTC incentive
- January 2025 Decreto 199 made merchant Bitcoin acceptance voluntary (IMF condition)
- No capital gains tax on Bitcoin transactions for individuals
- Government has been accumulating Bitcoin reserves and launched Bitcoin-backed bonds