Côte d'Ivoire Launches Ivoire Tech Next 15 and Scale Up Programmes

Côte d’Ivoire has launched two programmes aimed at helping technology businesses grow, with the government selecting 15 startups and 15 digital SMEs for a two-year acceleration programme.

The initiatives, Ivoire Tech Next 15 and Ivoire Tech Scale Up, were launched by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation in Abidjan on 29 July. Applications remain open until 13 September. Successful applicants will receive 24 months of support, including mentoring, business development, investor engagement and assistance with expanding into new markets.

Supporting Companies at Different Stages

The two programmes target businesses at different stages of growth. Ivoire Tech Next 15 is designed for startups that have operated for at least one year and already offer a commercial product or service.

Ivoire Tech Scale Up focuses on established digital SMEs with average annual revenue of at least CFA500 million (approximately $877,000) over the past three to five years. The programme is intended to help those businesses expand their operations.

According to the ministry, participating companies will receive mentoring, capacity-building support, investor connections and guidance on accessing new markets. The strongest candidates will later pitch their businesses to an independent international jury, which will select the final beneficiaries.

Expanding Digital Innovation

Alongside the two acceleration programmes, the government introduced Ivoire Gov Tech Lab, a platform that connects public institutions with digital businesses. Government agencies will publish digital transformation projects on the platform, allowing startups and SMEs to propose technology solutions directly to the public sector.

The initiative supports Côte d’Ivoire’s broader digital development strategy, which prioritises innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital skills and the modernisation of public services.

The government expects stronger technology companies to contribute to economic growth by developing locally built digital solutions and expanding into regional and international markets. It aims to increase the digital sector’s contribution to the economy over the next three years from its current estimated share of 6% to 8% of GDP.

Read More about Côte d’Ivoire StartUps HERE