The City of Innovation and Culture: A New Era for Ivorian Youth
In his address on December 31, 2024, President Alassane Ouattara announced the imminent creation of a City of Innovation and Culture, a flagship project that will begin in 2025. This ambitious initiative reflects the government's commitment to stimulating innovation, culture, and entrepreneurship among Ivorian youth by integrating these sectors into a unique and modern space.
The City of Innovation and Culture aims to be a true incubator for young talents, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and tailored resources to foster the emergence of innovative projects. This project is in line with the actions taken during the Year of Youth 2023, where several initiatives were launched to energize the digital, cultural, and tourism sectors, which are key drivers of economic growth.
To stimulate the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Ivorian government has established the "Startups Boost Capital" fund, endowed with 1 billion FCFA, aimed at supporting emerging technology companies. At the same time, a favorable legislative framework was adopted in January 2023 to encourage the creation of digital startups through tax and customs incentives, thereby enhancing the country's attractiveness for investors and young entrepreneurs.
At the heart of this new city, the cultural and creative industries will play a central role, providing young people with a space to develop and showcase their talents. The "FIN Culture Initiative" one-stop shop, set up by the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie, supports this goal by offering training and funding opportunities, thus creating an ecosystem conducive to the emergence of new cultural actors.
The City of Innovation and Culture is also part of a comprehensive strategy for digital transformation and sustainable development, highlighting information and communication technologies (ICT) and creative industries as levers for growth. This project aims to meet the aspirations of Ivorian youth while strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy.
By investing in innovation, culture, and entrepreneurship, the Ivorian government intends to make youth a driving force for economic and cultural development. The City of Innovation and Culture, supported by proactive policies and structuring initiatives, embodies this vision, transforming challenges into opportunities and positioning Côte d'Ivoire as a regional hub for innovation and creativity.
Source: Government Portal of Côte d'Ivoire, Web Editorial Team MEPD