• Ivory Coast and French group Ynov Campus signed an agreement to open the first Ynov Campus in sub-Saharan Africa.
• A second deal with the Magic System Foundation will launch a Digital Academy to train youth in digital skills.
• These projects aim to create 40,000 jobs and attract $1.6 billion in investment by 2028.
Ivory Coast has taken two bold steps to tackle the digital skills gap and fuel its economic growth.
Authorities signed two major agreements to train local youth in tech and prepare the country for a digital future. The Village of Information Technologies and Biotechnology (VITIB), based in Grand-Bassam, signed a deal with French training powerhouse Ynov Campus.
This agreement will establish the first Ynov campus in sub-Saharan Africa. Ynov will offer hands-on training in digital fields like web development, data science, digital design, audiovisual production, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Officials sealed the deal during the inaugural Ivoire Tech Forum held in Abidjan from July 9 to July 11.
A second agreement between VITIB and the Magic System Foundation will launch the VITIB Digital Academy. This academy will boost local digital skills, help youth integrate into the job market, and improve employability in high-demand tech sectors.
Both projects form part of VITIB’s larger expansion strategy. The site already hosts 96 companies, five data centers, and a one-stop-shop for business setup. VITIB's 2023–2028 plan, budgeted at CFA180 billion ($320 million), seeks to transform Grand-Bassam into a fully integrated smart city.
VITIB wants to create 40,000 jobs and attract $1.6 billion in investment over the next three years.
As digital transformation accelerates, Ivory Coast is under pressure to build a tech-savvy workforce that meets international standards. The Ministry of Digital Transition plans to train thousands in cybersecurity, cloud computing, data management, advanced programming, and AI.
Authorities have made digital upskilling a national priority. They want to support startup growth, ensure digital sovereignty, and fully integrate into West Africa’s digital economy.
Samira Njoya
