Côte d’Ivoire Invests Heavily in Startup Ecosystem
The government of Côte d’Ivoire has announced a series of initiatives aimed at transforming the country into a leading technology hub for Francophone Africa. These programs include Ivoire Tech Next 15 and Ivoire Tech Scale Up, which will provide two years of structured support to 30 companies each.
Key Highlights:
- The digital economy currently contributes 6-8% of Côte d’Ivoire’s GDP, with a target of exceeding 10% by 2030
- The government invested CFA 250 billion (approximately $437 million) in the digital sector in 2024 alone
- A total of CFA 114.8 trillion ($205.1 billion) has been allocated for national development through 2030, with a clear mandate for the digital economy to drive growth
The new programs target different stages of company development:
Ivoire Tech Next 15: For innovative startups operating in Côte d’Ivoire for at least one year, focusing on companies demonstrating revenue growth and unique solutions.
Ivoire Tech Scale Up: For established tech SMEs ready to expand, requiring a track record of performance with significant digital revenue and employment generation.
Unique Support Offering:
Winners of these programs will receive access to AI-powered agents that can handle key business functions like recruitment, marketing, finance, and HR—essentially providing 2-3 additional employees at no cost. This innovative approach leverages technology to address common startup challenges while maximizing public investment.
The government’s commitment reflects a broader strategy to diversify the economy, create jobs, and position Côte d’Ivoire as a regional leader in digital innovation.