Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, officially received the KAYOD robot on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Abidjan-Plateau. Developed by Ivorian startup KAYOD Technologies, which specializes in robotics and autonomous mobility solutions, the innovation is expected to create new opportunities in training, skills transfer and employment in the digital sector.

The ceremony, attended by KAYOD Technologies founder Karim Fagbohoun and Côte d'Ivoire's Consul General in New York, Inza Camara, forms part of the government's strategy to promote technological innovation and support the growth of Ivorian startups.

Already deployed in several U.S. cities, including California, Miami, Los Angeles and Atlanta, KAYOD robots are used for delivery services and digital communication through their integrated display screens. The robots combine robotics, artificial intelligence, teleoperation and solar energy. In the future, the technology could enable young Ivorians to remotely operate robots working abroad while remaining in Côte d'Ivoire.

During the event, Minister Djibril Ouattara expressed the government's willingness to support the establishment of KAYOD Technologies at the Information Technology and Biotechnology Village (VITIB) in Grand-Bassam.

"What matters to us is being able to welcome your company to VITIB, so that young students trained in mechanical engineering, automation and robotics can work with you and remotely operate all of your robots deployed in major cities across the United States," Ouattara said.

He reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to supporting the emergence of innovative technologies, strengthening the national innovation ecosystem and developing young people's skills in digital professions.

For his part, Ivorian entrepreneur Karim Fagbohoun said his ambition is to harness robotic technologies to support Côte d'Ivoire's economic development through pilot programs implemented in partnership with the government.

KAYOD Technologies also plans to help train young people in robotics, artificial intelligence and teleoperation, with the medium-term objective of developing robot manufacturing and assembly activities in Côte d'Ivoire.