(Ecofin Agency) - Côte d'Ivoire has unveiled a plan to develop a certified green agricultural sector. The country partnered with Orange CI, the European Union, and German Cooperation (GIZ), to implement the "DigiGreen & Agri" project; an initiative aimed at modernizing agriculture and transition towards a green economy, with a particular focus on the cocoa industry.

The strategic vision of the "DigiGreen & Agri" project includes improving employment opportunities in digital fields, especially for youth in rural areas, women, girls, and individuals with disabilities. It also commits to supporting SMEs and startups in developing innovative digital technologies.

Managed by the Orange Digital Center and the Orange Côte d'Ivoire Foundation with GIZ's support, the project will span 36 months from January 2024 to December 2026. With a total budget of €7.6 million, it is financed by contributions from the EU, BMZ, and Orange Côte d'Ivoire.

Over the next three years, " DigiGreen & Agri " aims to train 2,000 beneficiaries in digital skills, to integrate at least 800 of them into the workforce. The project also plans to develop 100 innovative ideas and enhance the capacities of 20 micro, small, and medium enterprises and startups, as highlighted by Latifa Diack, Deputy Director of the Orange Digital Center.

This partnership reflects a commitment to developing sustainable agriculture in Côte d'Ivoire, where the agricultural sector accounted for approximately 16.7% of the GDP in 2022, according to World Bank data. Faced with the significant challenges of climate change, local authorities are determined to meet global standards, particularly in the cocoa sector.

Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East, emphasized that digital transformation is "essential for ensuring a sustainable future" for Côte d'Ivoire's agricultural sector, especially cocoa. He added that "DigiGreen & Agri" is "a major step in a collective effort to promote an inclusive digital economy that respects our environment."

Additionally, the project seeks to bolster Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to combating the adverse effects of climate change and achieving its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30.41% by 2030.

The partnership will carry forward the Orange Digital Center's efforts to promote innovation and support young people in Cote d'Ivoire. One such initiative is the "COCOA SHIELD" project, which was created by Ivorian students and won an award for its Agritech solution during the third edition of the Orange Summer Challenge. The project aims to protect cocoa crops from the "swollen shoot" viral disease, which can cause significant damage, and ensure their long-term sustainability.