By: Van Soul Addey
Côte d’Ivoire has launched
two new programmes aimed at accelerating the growth of digital start-ups and
technology-driven small and medium-sized enterprises as part of efforts to
strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The “Ivoire Tech Next 15”
programme for digital start-ups and the “Ivoire Tech Scale Up” initiative for
digital SMEs were officially launched on July 29, 2026, by Minister of Digital
Transition and Technological Innovation Djibril Ouattara at the Sofitel Hotel
Ivoire in Abidjan.
The launch also marked the
opening of applications for companies seeking support under the two programmes,
which will provide 24 months of structured assistance to 30 selected digital
enterprises.
Fifteen innovative start-ups
and 15 established technology SMEs will be selected based on their growth
potential, innovation capacity and readiness to expand their operations.
The Ivoire Tech Next 15
programme targets digital start-ups that have operated for at least one year,
have an innovative product or service, demonstrate growing revenues, maintain
their headquarters in Côte d’Ivoire and meet required tax and social compliance
standards.
Eligible start-ups must also
have majority ownership held by founders and demonstrate the potential to scale
their solutions within local and international markets.
The Ivoire Tech Scale Up
programme is designed for more established digital SMEs under Ivorian law with
between three and five completed financial years, at least 75% national
ownership and an average turnover of CFA 500 million over a three-to-five-year
period.
Participating SMEs must
generate at least 65% of their revenue from digital activities, have an
existing market-ready product, employ at least 10 people and maintain
compliance with fiscal and social obligations.
Applications for both
programmes are open online and will close on September 13, 2026. Selected
companies will pitch their projects before an international and independent
jury, with winners expected to be announced at the end of September in Abidjan.
During the launch event,
Minister Djibril Ouattara also announced the creation of the “Ivoire Gouv Tech
Lab”, a platform dedicated to supporting the digital transformation of public
administration.
The platform will provide
visibility for government digital projects and create opportunities for
start-ups and SMEs to participate directly in developing digital solutions for
public services.
The two innovation
programmes form part of the Ministry’s 2026–2028 roadmap, which is built around
seven strategic pillars and 40 priority projects aimed at advancing Côte
d’Ivoire’s digital transformation agenda.
