Côte d’Ivoire has officially launched the Ivoire Tech Next 15 and Scale UP programs to help startups and tech SMEs access funding, mentorship, and business growth support. These programs form part of the country's broader strategy to strengthen its digital economy, foster innovation, and position Côte d’Ivoire as one of West Africa's emerging technology hubs.
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Structuring the Ivoire Tech Next 15 Program
Under the initiative, 15 high-growth startups and 15 technology-focused SMEs will participate in a structured 24-month acceleration program. This includes business development support, technical assistance, mentorship, and capacity-building.
The objective is to help participating companies strengthen their business models and improve operational capabilities. Ultimately, the program aims to help these firms scale sustainably within domestic and international markets.
Boosting Investment Readiness
Beyond general support, the programs place significant emphasis on improving investment readiness. Participating companies will receive guidance on financial management, corporate governance, and fundraising strategies.
This is designed to enhance their ability to attract institutional capital. One of the initiative's key targets is to facilitate the mobilization of between CFA 5 billion and CFA 10 billion in financing from commercial banks and venture capital firms.
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Building a Digital Economy
The launch reflects the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for innovation-driven entrepreneurship. By supporting startups beyond the ideation stage, the initiative seeks to stimulate job creation and increase the contribution of digital businesses to the national economy.
The programs are expected to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem by fostering closer collaboration between entrepreneurs and public-sector stakeholders. As digital technologies continue to reshape industries, these initiatives position Côte d’Ivoire to capitalize on opportunities in fintech, agritech, and artificial intelligence.
Why Ivoire Tech Next 15 Matters to Africa
Côte d’Ivoire's launch of the Ivoire Tech Next 15 and Scale UP programs signals a growing shift in Africa's innovation landscape from supporting early-stage creation to helping promising companies scale into sustainable businesses.
Across the continent, access to growth capital remains a significant barrier. By combining mentorship with a target of mobilizing CFA 5–10 billion in financing, Côte d’Ivoire is directly addressing this critical funding gap.
The initiative also strengthens West Africa's position as an emerging technology hub. Côte d’Ivoire is now building the institutional support needed to compete for regional and international capital alongside traditional markets like Nigeria and Kenya.
For African entrepreneurs, the programs provide a blueprint for how governments can partner with investors to accelerate growth. Successful outcomes could inspire similar initiatives across the continent, helping diversify Africa's digital economy.
Engagement
