LocationsA Dynamic Partnership with Japan to Advance Innovation in Côte d’Ivoire
June 13, 2025
Two events, one shared vision. This perfectly summarizes the gatherings organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Embassy of Japan, and the Ivorian Ministry of Technical Education, Vocational Training, and Apprenticeship (METFPA) on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2025, held on May 12–13 in Abidjan. The 10th edition of the Africa CEO Forum brought together over 2,000 participants, including decision-makers and leaders.
Visit to the Entrepreneurial Innovation Hub
The first major event of the meetings between UNDP, the Japanese delegation led by the Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and METFPA was the visit to the Entrepreneurial Innovation (PIE) Hub at the Abidjan Technical High School. Around fifty attendees — including UNDP-supported startups, entrepreneurs, NGO representatives, and financial institutions — showcased their vision of an innovation-driven Côte d’Ivoire, a key lever for growth, competitiveness, , and the creation of quality employment in the country.
On this occasion, Mr. Takehiko Matsuo, Vice Minister for International Affairs of METI, reaffirmed "Japan's pride in supporting Côte d'Ivoire in strengthening technical education, innovation, and youth employability —the key pillars of inclusive and sustainable industrial development."
Five flagship projects led by young startups were presented in sectors aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): health, education, energy, agriculture, and finance. Participants also toured the Daikin training room, continuing their discussions. The Daikin model, established at the Cocody Technical High School, reflects the Japanese vision: a tripartite partnership between the government, private sector, and educational institutions, ensuring a tangible and lasting transfer of expertise.
The Technical High School of Abidjan will also soon house a dedicated space to support the creativity of young Ivorian startups.
“We are pleased to support this initiative in partnership with UNDP and contribute to creating a space dedicated to skills development, technological creativity, and preparing youth for the jobs of tomorrow. This will help make 'Made in Africa' a tangible reality,” said Mr. Takehiko Matsuo.
“Thanks to the support of the Japanese government, these initiatives will connect technology and entrepreneurship, fostering a synergy between Francophone African youth and Japanese companies. Together, we will facilitate technology transfer, support employment, and accelerate the commercialization of youth-led innovations,” noted Ms. Blerta Cela, UNDP Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire.
Minister Koffi N’Guessan of METFPA remarked, “This tripartite partnership will structure a development program focused on technical training in sectors such as Agritech, agro-processing, and the establishment of professional incubators within technical schools. This supports both the goals of the UNDP’s Timbuktoo initiative and our government’s priorities.”
Timbuktoo: Supporting the Irreversible African Startup Revolution
A different day, a new setting. The Sofitel Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan hosted the Africa CEO Forum 2025. In the Kigali room, a roundtable brought together about 100 stakeholders — from METI, senior executives, institutional investors, policymakers, and innovation leaders — for rich discussions on accelerating African economic growth through African venture capital.
Here, the spotlight was on Timbuktoo, a groundbreaking UNDP initiative created to support the development of African startups. With the support of the Government of Japan and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the program has already assisted over 2,500 startups across Africa and is actively building partnerships with the private sector.
During this event, Minister Koffi N’Guessan highlighted the strategic partnership with Japan:
“Recognized for its advanced technologies, rigorous business practices, and innovative approaches, Japan plays a key role in several strategic sectors supporting the Ivorian government's Côte d’Ivoire 2030 vision.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to developing a youth entrepreneurship-based technological development program with UNDP’s support.
“In this context, Japan’s support will be essential, especially within our vocational institutions, placing young people at the heart of innovation and employment in the country,” he stated.
Following Ms. Blerta Cela's remarks, Mr. Takehiko Matsuo reiterated:
“Africa is a continent with a large and youthful population, home to a number of startups thriving through innovative ideas, particularly in the digital sector. Many Japanese companies are eager to invest in Africa’s tremendous growth potential and are seeking opportunities to apply Japan’s advanced technologies. We are proud to have forged a partnership with Timbuktoo.”
The session concluded with two panel discussions featuring five speakers each. The topics addressed included strategic alignment between governments, businesses, and innovation actors, as well as avenues to ensure capital more effectively supports African startups. On this occasion, Joan Manda stated: “Through various initiatives and thematic hubs in FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, and GreenTech across different African countries, we’ve built an ecosystem that reflects the continent’s context and scale.”
A Future to Build Together
These meetings mark a turning point in Japan–Côte d’Ivoire cooperation. By combining Japanese technical expertise and Ivorian entrepreneurial energy, this partnership offers real opportunities for African youth. UNDP, Japan, and Côte d’Ivoire are joining forces on innovative projects like Timbuktoo, sparking real momentum for change.
Their shared ambition is clear: to make innovation and training essential drivers of sustainable growth, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Côte d’Ivoire 2030 vision.
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