Côte d'Ivoire has committed since 2018 to further support its startup environment and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP growth. As part of this initiative, the government launched Monday the Startup4Gouv program. The ceremony was presided over by Roger Felix Adom, Minister of Digital Economy, Telecommunications and Innovation, at the House of Business (CGECI) in Abidjan.

The goal is to federate the best startups in the country in the college of technological and innovative companies through the #CI20. The beneficiaries will assist the government with their technical and practical expertise in the various projects as part of the country’s digital migration strategy. Roger Félix Adom said that the Startup4Gouv program will help turn Côte d'Ivoire into a digital hub. Several young digital entrepreneurs have been made innovation ambassadors to promote the technological know-how of Côte d'Ivoire everywhere they may find themselves. They will take part in the 5th edition of the African-European summit of organic innovation and emerging Startups, scheduled for December 13 and 14 at the Palais du Pharo in Marseille.

The Startup4Gouv initiative is expected to make Côte d'Ivoire a digital modern country turned to future technologies. It is in addition to the several other initiatives in favor of the national startup environment. The government plans to set a special support fund of CFA500 million and adopt a law on startups.

In 2018, during the 6th edition of the Africa CEO Forum held on March 26 in Abidjan, the then Ivorian Prime Minister, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, said "the evolution of the digital offers many opportunities for young people. Because the digital revolution is likely to help our countries to quickly take steps to integrate harmoniously into the world.” He was already highlighting the potential of startups, in creating jobs and wealth, to support national economic growth.

Muriel Edjo