Côte d'Ivoire launches Ivoire Tech Next 15 and Scale Up to boost startups
Côte d'Ivoire's Ministry of Digital Innovation launched Ivoire Tech Next 15 and Ivoire Tech Scale Up on July 29, 2026, offering 24-month structured support to 30 tech firms. The first track targets 15 early-stage startups at least one year old with Ivorian registration, growing revenue, innovative products, founder majority ownership and tax compliance. The second track selects 15 established tech SMEs with three to five filed accounts, at least 75% Ivorian ownership, average turnover of 500 million FCFA (about $877,700), 65% fastening of revenue from digital activities, minimum ten staff and up-to-date tax and social records. Applications are free, open now and close on September 13; shortlisted candidates pitch to an international jury, with winners announced in late September in Abidjan.
Selected beneficiaries receive AI-powered agents for HR, finance, marketing and more—equivalent to two to three extra staff fully funded by the state—plus access to venture-capital links, loan guarantees, technical assistance and public-procurement opportunities under the 2023 Startup Act. They also gain links to banks, telecoms and large corporates, places in official delegations to global tech events, national data-center access, cloud credits, cybersecurity certifications, legal-tax help, quality-certification support and priority entry to the VITIB tech free zone offering tax and duty exemptions.
Why it matters to Nigerians: The initiative signals a regional push to make the digital economy exceed 10% of GDP by 2030, opening doors for cross-border partnerships, market access and shared learning. Nigerian founders can explore joint ventures, look into VITIB incentives, or advocate for similar startup-friendly policies at home.
What to know or do: If you have an Ivorian-registered entity, consider applying before the September 13 deadline. Otherwise, monitor the program for partnership chances, study its support model for possible adaptation in Nigeria, and watch for follow-on calls for regional tech collaboration.
SOURCE: https://techcabal.com/2026/08/04/francophone-weekly-by-techcabal-034/