Côte d’Ivoire launched two accelerator programs, Ivoire Tech Next 15 and Ivoire Tech Scale Up, to support 15 startups and 15 digital SMEs over 24 months.
The programs will provide mentoring, capacity building, investor connections and market access support to technology companies at different growth stages.
The government aims to double the digital sector’s contribution to GDP within three years from its current estimated share of 6% to 8%.
The Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation launched the « Ivoire Tech Next 15 » and « Ivoire Tech Scale Up » programs on July 29 in Abidjan. The initiatives will support 15 startups and 15 digital SMEs, with applications open until September 13.
Selected companies will receive support over a 24-month period as part of the government’s strategy to develop competitive technology businesses and improve their access to markets.
Lancement officiel d’Ivoire Tech Next 15 & Ivoire Tech Scale UP !
15 startups innovantes + 15 PME tech accompagnées pendant 24 mois. Objectif : 5 à 10 milliards de FCFA mobilisés auprès de banques, fonds et bailleurs.
Le numérique ivoirien passe à la vitesse supérieure.
— MTNIT (@MTNIT_CI) July 29, 2026
Minister Djibril Ouattara presented the two initiatives, which target companies at different stages of development. « Ivoire Tech Next 15 » focuses on innovative startups that have operated for at least one year and already offer a commercialized product or service.
« Ivoire Tech Scale Up » targets more established digital SMEs that recorded average annual revenue of at least CFA500 million (about $877,000) over the past three to five years and seek to accelerate their expansion.
« The selected companies will receive mentoring, capacity-building support, investor connections and assistance in accessing new markets, » the ministry said.
The most promising companies will later present their projects before an independent international jury, which will select the final beneficiaries.
Government Creates Digital Innovation Bridge With Public Sector
The authorities also introduced « Ivoire Gov Tech Lab », a platform designed to connect public administrations with digital companies. The platform will publish government digital transformation projects and allow startups and SMEs to submit solutions directly to public institutions.
The initiative forms part of the ministry’s 2026-2028 roadmap, which focuses on seven priority areas, including technological innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital skills development and public administration digitalization.
The roadmap supports the implementation of Côte d’Ivoire’s national digital development strategy and the National Development Plan 2026-2030.
Through these initiatives, Côte d’Ivoire aims to increase the economic contribution of its digital sector.
The government plans to double the sector’s contribution to gross domestic product within three years. The digital economy currently represents between 6% and 8% of GDP, according to official estimates.
Authorities expect the emergence of technology companies capable of developing high-value solutions and expanding into international markets to drive this growth.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum