Visiting Villages and Traditional Chiefs: Basic Etiquette in Côte d'Ivoire

In Côte d'Ivoire (in West Africa, French-speaking, the world's largest cocoa producer), whether a company is carrying out field research, taking part in a community project, or a traveller has been invited to a village, sooner or later you are likely to meet a traditional chief (chef traditionnel). Chiefs are not administrative officials, yet they carry considerable influence locally. Understanding the system and its etiquette in advance will make your visit go much more smoothly.

The role of traditional chiefs today

In 2014 Côte d'Ivoire established the National Chamber of Kings and Traditional Chiefs (Chambre Nationale des Rois et Chefs Traditionnels, CNRCT), and the 2016 Constitution also recognises traditional chieftaincy. According to Fraternité Matin, the country has around 8,000 traditional chiefs, at levels ranging from kings to province, canton, tribe and village chiefs; they are required to remain politically neutral.

Chiefs' local influence can also be measured. A 2019 survey by the polling network Afrobarometer found:

In other words, at village level the chief is often the key figure in conflict mediation and community decision-making, and local officials frequently pass messages through chiefs.

Before the visit: find the right introduction

• Arrange it through a local guide or contact: ideally, have a member of the community introduce you, and explain the purpose of your visit in advance.
• Report to the chief first: when you arrive in the village, call on the chief or his representative before visiting anyone else or starting work.
• Don't rush: each step follows an established order, and patiently going along with it is itself a sign of respect.

The meeting

Customs vary from place to place; the following is a common pattern:

1. Communicate through a spokesperson: in Akan tradition, the chief does not usually speak directly in public; instead a spokesperson (linguist) known as the okyeame relays his words. In other regions, messages may also be passed along through the chief's deputies. You simply explain your purpose to your introducer or the spokesperson.
2. Accept the welcome drink: in some places you will first be offered a glass of water; in others, drinks and kola nuts dipped in chilli are presented before proceedings continue. Accepting it means you accept their welcome.
3. Offer a gift: drinks are a common choice; check the exact items and quantities with your introducer beforehand, and be mindful of local religious practice.
4. Listen before you speak: pay close attention when elders are speaking, and do not interrupt.

Forms of address and attitude

In Akan culture, "Nana" is an honorific for chiefs and members of the court; the Wikipedia entry also notes that translating Nana as "chief" is not entirely accurate. If you are unsure how to address someone, ask your introducer beforehand. Dressing conservatively, giving and receiving objects with the right hand or both hands, and asking permission before taking photos are all basic courtesies.

One line for Asian teams

Before doing anything in a village, pay your respects to the chief through the right person; get this step right, and the collaboration that follows will run smoothly.

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References: Afrobarometer – La chefferie traditionnelle en Côte d'Ivoire (2021); Fraternité Matin – Chambre nationale des rois et chefs traditionnels; Wikipedia – Akan chieftaincy; Koné Consulting – Grand Béréby: a traditional beachside village (2024); Vikidia – Hospitalité chez les Bétés; CountryReports – Côte d'Ivoire Culture