Kevin Nyango
MTN Ivory Coast has taken a bold step to launch a startup incubator in the country. The Incubation program is the first of its kind to be launched by a telecommunication company in the country and is said to be a source of encouragement to entrepreneurs or startups in the West African nation.
The incubation programme launched by MTN Ivory Coast is called “Y” ello Startup” and aimed at helping young entrepreneurs make their dreams of starting something great to come to fruition. The incubation program is one of its kinds in the country and designed to help startups or young aspiring entrepreneurs, not only design but deploy unique and innovative digital solutions.
The incubation program is designed to assist young and aspiring entrepreneurs. The program will not only give startups the support they need to grow their business but benefit the society in a great way. The incubation program is designed in a way that it would impact positively on the socio-economic environment of the country.
Ivory Coast is officially called the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The West African nation has a population of over 24.29 million people and bordered by other Africa countries like Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, the Gulf of Guinea and Liberia.
The startup incubation program by the mobile operator is to give startups the opportunity and platform they need to turn their idea into a full-time business. From the hundreds of startups will apply for the program, the MTN Ivory Coast will select just four startups. The four startups will be given the opportunity and platform to transform their business projects or business idea into services that they can offer to the public.
The four startups selected by MTN will be given financial and technical support to grow their business projects. The mobile operator will offer financial assistance up to $9,000 USD (CFA5 Million), technical support, access to a well-equipped, a mentor and connected workspace.
Participants will be receiving technical support to grow their business project for a period of nine months. Participants will also have other assistance such as daily coaching sessions, access to the mobile operator’s technical platforms, and weekly conferences.
According to MTN Ivory Coast’s chief executive officer, Freddy Tchala, “The incubation programme will create a great opportunity for young aspiring entrepreneurs to have access to a brighter and for the mobile operator, MTN to encourage promising initiatives.”
