• Talks explored collaboration with VITIB on startups, research, and smart services

• Visit follows Côte d'Ivoire's $146M 2026 digital transformation budget approval

The chief of staff for Côte d'Ivoire's minister of digital transition, Raymond Assoua, met a delegation from Russia's Skolkovo Foundation in Abidjan on Monday to discuss strengthening cooperation in technology and innovation.

The delegation was led by the Russian ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Alexey Saltykov. The meeting was part of a cooperation program designed to boost exchanges between the two countries in digital sectors, technological innovation, and the development of innovative ecosystems.

Discussions focused on several strategic areas, including the development of technology hubs, the integration of artificial intelligence in public and private sectors, and accelerating the digitization of administrative services. The Russian mission also presented Skolkovo's expertise in designing innovation ecosystems, a model that could inspire Ivorian ambitions for tech cities.

During the meeting, concrete collaboration avenues were identified between the Skolkovo Foundation and VITIB, the Ivorian technology park based in Grand-Bassam. The director general of VITIB outlined existing infrastructure and ongoing projects, paving the way for future joint initiatives in startup incubation, applied research, and the deployment of sovereign digital solutions.

The visit follows the Ivorian National Assembly's recent adoption of an 83.27 billion CFA franc ($146 million) budget for 2026 to support the country's digital transformation. This funding aims to modernize the postal sector, implement universal electronic communications service, and develop the digital economy.

The Skolkovo Foundation is a leading Russian innovation hub, specializing in supporting tech startups, developing technology parks, and AI research through its partnership with the Skoltech Institute. Its expertise could support Côte d'Ivoire in training talent and setting up pilot projects in innovation and digital services.

No formal agreement has been announced yet. Nevertheless, the delegation was expected to visit VITIB on Tuesday to continue technical exchanges and explore partnership opportunities further.

Samira Njoya