On May 16, 2024, in Abidjan, Africa Global Logistics (AGL) signed a partnership agreement with Côte d’Ivoire Innovation 20 (Ci 20), a group of companies in the innovation sector, brought together in the form of an association, with the aim of federating the best of Côte d’Ivoire’s start-ups and being their spokesperson.

 

This partnership, supported by the Ivorian government, aims to provide AGL with the network, expertise and experience of the Ci 20, to facilitate the development of its Yiri innovation center, located in Abidjan, in order to promote better support for young entrepreneurs in Africa.

 

This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to accelerate our digital transformation and strengthen our position in the global market. The Ci20, recognized for its expertise in networking and knowledge of innovation-related issues, will be of important support to us in the implementation and development of our Yiri Innovation Center

Joël HounsinouManaging Director of AGL Côte d'Ivoire

 

As part of its collaboration with AGL, Ci20 will support the company in the construction of “accelerate”, the first program of the Yiri Innovation Center, for which the call for applications will be launched in mid-June 2024. “Accelerate” is an open innovation program dedicated to startups developing technological solutions in key or related sectors of the AGL Group (logistics, transport, digital, etc.). It aims to accelerate their growth through expert coaching, training and events within an innovation hub in the heart of Abidjan.

 

The signing of this partnership is a symbol of the vitality of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Côte d'Ivoire. We are pleased with the signing of this partnership and are committed to working to promote the Yiri innovation center, supported by AGL

Alex DegnyPrésident of Ci20

This collaboration between AGL and Ci20 is the result of a B2B meeting on the Côte d’Ivoire pavilion at VIVATECH 2023 in France and represents an official springboard for Ivorian startups to access the markets of the 49 countries where the AGL Group is present.

 

About Africa Global Logistics (AGL)

Africa Global Logistics (AGL) is the trusted logistics operator in Africa, providing integrated logistics, port, maritime, and rail solutions.

With more than 23,000 employees across 50 countries, AGL builds on decades of expertise to deliver tailor-made and innovative services to its African and international clients. AGL’s ambition is to contribute sustainably to Africa’s transformation. The company also operates in Haiti, Timor-Leste, and Indonesia. Through its Yiri Innovation Center, located in Abidjan, AGL supports the digital transformations of Africa’s logistics, stimulating innovation and providing young people, students, AGL employees and start-ups with a working environment conducive to creativity and the exploration of new ideas.

 

About the CI20

Côte d’Ivoire Innovation 20 (Ci20) is a group of 15 technology companies led by young Ivorian entrepreneurs (including 13 national awards for excellence), with an average of five years’ experience in their specific markets (Fintech, Agritech, Healthtech, EdTech, etc.). Ci20 aims to bring together the best start-ups in Côte d'Ivoire and act as their spokesperson. Ci20 members contribute to the creation of more than 2,000 jobs and generate 11 billion CFA francs in annual revenue. Ci20 is behind several initiatives, including the STARTUP ACT, STARTUP4GOUV, SASEN, and STARTUP BOOST CAPITAL laws, which have impacted the innovation ecosystem in Côte d'Ivoire, moving the country up five places in the Global Innovation Index 2022.

press contact

Arsène YAPI

Head of Media and Content Department – AGL (Côte d’Ivoire-Burkina Faso)

arsene.yapi@aglgroup.com