Côte d'Ivoire launches new programs to accelerate digital innovation.

Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, officially launched the "Ivoire Tech Next 15" program for digital start-ups and the "Ivoire Tech Scale Up" program for digital SMEs on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire. The event also marked the official opening of applications.

A total of 30 digital businesses will be supported over a 24-month period, including 15 innovative start-ups that have been operating for at least one year and are ready to take a decisive step forward, as well as 15 established technology SMEs prepared to scale up their operations.

Applications for both programs are free and must be submitted online by September 13. The best projects will be presented before an independent international jury, and the winners will be announced at the end of September in Abidjan.

To apply for "Ivoire Tech Next 15", start-ups must have their headquarters in Côte d'Ivoire, have been operating for at least one year, generate established and growing revenue from an innovative product or service, have founders holding the majority of the company's capital, and be up to date with tax and social obligations.

For "Ivoire Tech Scale Up", companies must be legally established in Côte d'Ivoire, have between three and five completed financial statements, have at least 75% of their capital owned by Ivorian nationals, achieve an average turnover of CFA 500 million over three to five years, with at least 65% generated from digital activities, already market a product, employ at least 10 people, and comply with tax and social requirements.

In addition to these two programs, Minister Djibril Ouattara announced the creation of the "Ivoire GovTech Lab", a platform dedicated to the digitalization of public administration. Government digital projects will be published on the platform, allowing start-ups and SMEs to apply directly online.

The launch also included the presentation of the Ministry's 2026–2028 roadmap, structured around seven strategic pillars and 40 major projects, including the "Ivoire Tech Next 15" and "Ivoire Tech Scale Up" programs.

The seven pillars are part of the National Digital Development Strategy and align with the National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030. They focus on strengthening connectivity, digital transformation of public administration, technological innovation, artificial intelligence adoption, digital skills development, e-commerce promotion, and cybersecurity and digital trust.

Minister Djibril Ouattara stated that these initiatives aim to "develop digital leaders in Côte d'Ivoire" and position the country as a regional technology hub.

He also emphasized the commitment of the government, development partners, major companies, and investors to support digital start-ups and SMEs by facilitating access to funding, markets, and skills. Over the next three years, the objective is to double the contribution of the digital sector to Côte d'Ivoire's GDP, currently estimated between 6% and 8%.