Côte d'Ivoire: The 2nd edition of Ivoire Tech Forum to showcase technological ambitions in November 2026

The 2nd edition of Ivoire Tech Forum will be held in Abidjan from November 11 to 13, 2026 under the theme "Innovating to transform, accelerating growth through emerging technologies", with between 6,000 and 8,000 participants expected, including delegations from Rwanda and Estonia, according to RTI Info. The Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, presented the program during a press conference held on Tuesday, September 22. He announced the operationalization of the Ivorian Startup Act, the upcoming establishment of a labeling platform for national startups, and the deployment of a national network of innovation infrastructure. "These infrastructures should help bring young entrepreneurs closer to skills, equipment, and financing opportunities, including in the regions, so that technological innovation is not concentrated solely in the city of Abidjan," stated Djibril Ouattara, who aims to materialize before 2030 the "innovation and culture city" announced by the President of the Republic. Rokia Fofana, the ministry's chief of staff, placed this edition within the 2026-2028 roadmap and asserted that "artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data valorization now represent true pillars of our autonomy and future economic prosperity." The forum will feature a Deal Room, B2B and B2G meetings between startups, investors, and large corporations, a Hackathon on public issues, and a Pitch Competition, providing entrepreneurs with direct access to funding and markets.