Côte d'Ivoire Prioritizes AI Adoption in New National Tech Strategy and Startup Support Programs

Côte d'Ivoire's Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation has launched two new programs, Ivoire Tech Next 15 and Ivoire Tech Scale Up, to support 30 digital companies over the next two years. These initiatives are part of a broader 2026-2028 ministry roadmap that explicitly identifies AI adoption as one of seven core strategic pillars. The programs aim to nurture local tech talent and businesses, with specific eligibility criteria designed to favor established, Ivorian-owned firms with demonstrated revenue and digital focus.

Alongside the company support, the government also introduced the Ivoire GovTech Lab, a platform intended to streamline the digitalization of public administration by openly publishing government digital projects. This mechanism is particularly significant as it provides a direct channel for local startups and SMEs to compete for public procurement contracts, a crucial lever for stimulating demand and growth within the domestic technology ecosystem.

The emphasis on AI adoption aligns with Côte d'Ivoire's ongoing efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into its national development. The country previously secured a $95 million funding commitment from the UAE for a data center, sovereign cloud, and an AI and innovation center of excellence, in addition to adopting a national AI strategy as part of a regional Francophone West African framework. These combined efforts underscore a deliberate strategy to position Côte d'Ivoire as a leading digital and AI hub in the region.

The government's ambitious goal is to double the digital sector's contribution to national GDP, currently estimated at 6-8%, within the next three years. The integrated approach, combining direct company support, public procurement opportunities, and a strong focus on local ownership and AI, presents a more cohesive and potentially impactful strategy compared to many other startup support initiatives across the continent.