THE Yoruba Community in Abidjan, 1942 – 2002

Abstract

 This paper historicizes the socio-economic activities of the Yoruba people in Abidjan It highlights factors that contributed to the origin, growth and expansion of trading activities by the Yoruba in Abidjan. Data for the study were sourced from primary and secondary sources. This includes in-depth
oral interviews with elements of Yoruba respondents living in Abidjan, personal and private records of individuals as well as reports from newspapers and other relevant information from books and journals related to the study. The Yoruba Community in Abidjan is a very vibrant sociopolitical and economic group of people living in Abidjan. Majority of the Yoruba inhabitants in the town were mainly traders selling different kinds of manufactured products within and outside Abidjan. Notable among such goods sold by the Yoruba traders includes tailoring materials and other accessories, food stuff either in cooked or raw forms, artisans, Transportation services, Cloth selling as well as alcoholic beverages etc. The paper established that Abidjan is an active commercial centre thriving for investment and businesses activity in the region. The relative peace, political stability and maintenance of law and order contributed greatly to make the city a conducive business environment for the Yoruba people in Abidjan.