The Ivorian startup employers' association, CI20, has formalized a strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), signaling a major boost for the nation's tech ecosystem. Signed by CI20 President Alex Degny and UNDP Resident Representative Blerta Cela, the agreement aims to structure and accelerate the growth of local startups. This collaboration is poised to create a more dynamic and competitive environment for entrepreneurs across Côte d'Ivoire.
Building a Competitive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
At its core, the protocol is designed to construct a more resilient and competitive entrepreneurial landscape. The joint effort will prioritize support for high-potential young companies, stimulate significant job creation, and champion the development of homegrown technological solutions. This alliance represents a concerted move to formalize and strengthen the foundations of the country's innovation sector.
A key function of the partnership will be to bridge the gap between emerging startups and vital resources. The initiative will actively connect entrepreneurs with new funding opportunities and integrate them into strategic sectors like agritech, fintech, e-health, and energy. CI20 will play a central role in federating these innovators, enhancing their visibility, and facilitating their sustainable growth.
Strategic Focus on Skills and Human Capital
A central pillar of the collaboration is an unwavering commitment to enhancing local skills for the digital economy. CI20 and the UNDP plan to co-develop advanced training programs, specialized workshops on emerging technologies, and robust mentorship schemes for project leaders. This focus on human capital is deemed essential for building long-term capacity within the Ivorian tech scene.
This emphasis on education is part of a broader strategy for CI20, which recently signed a similar framework agreement with IFG Executive Education. The synergy between these partnerships aims to cultivate a generation of entrepreneurs and employees equipped to design and deploy competitive solutions. By investing in talent, the organizations are ensuring the ecosystem's innovations are both impactful and sustainable.
Driving Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Impact
Through this alliance, both organizations reaffirm their dedication to fostering an inclusive digital economy where startups act as powerful engines of transformation. The partnership is not merely about business growth but also about leveraging technology to address pressing developmental challenges and improve public services. This vision aligns with the UNDP's global mission to promote sustainable and equitable development across nations.
Alex Degny, President of CI20, hailed the agreement as a pivotal moment for the local ecosystem. He stated that the collaboration provides Ivorian startups with "concrete levers to innovate and create sustainable impact," empowering them to scale their operations effectively. This endorsement highlights the practical and results-oriented nature of the newly formed partnership.
This strategic partnership between CI20 and the UNDP marks a significant milestone for Côte d'Ivoire's innovation journey. By concentrating on structural support, advanced skills development, and improved access to critical resources, the agreement is set to empower a new wave of entrepreneurs. The collaboration firmly solidifies the nation's position as a leading African hub committed to harnessing innovation as a primary driver of its future development.
Source: Startupsmedia