Start-ups benefiting from the Netherlands Trust Fund (NTF) V Project assert their expertise at a B2B meeting – Africa.com
PME Côte d’Ivoire represents the country’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth in Côte d’Ivoire. In line with its mission of nurturing a thriving innovation ecosystem, the agency organized a networking session for digital start-ups with support from the NTF V FastTrackTech project.
Springboard for Ivorian startups through B2B networking
In Côte d’Ivoire, 96% of the economic structure is made up of small businesses, which play a vital role in job creation, innovation and regional development. To support their promotion and expansion, PME Côte d’Ivoire provides financing, training, advice and networking.
The government agency organized a B2B business meeting in Abidjan on 20 June in collaboration with the NTF V FastTrackTech project. For NTF V project start-ups, this is an opportunity not only to increase their visibility, but also to enhance their credibility and discover new business opportunities.
First, the entrepreneurs presented their projects to major economic operators, including banks, insurance companies, specialized agricultural organizations and large retailers. The discussion then continues through personal interviews.
For Jean-Marc KOUAME-MORO, PME Project Manager in Côte d’Ivoire, such events make it easier for start-ups to reach relevant and targeted potential customers: “On average, each entrepreneur is able to connect with eight potential partners , which helps strengthen their visibility and market positioning, in addition to the perspective of signing new contracts, this type of professional meeting allows companies to compare their solutions with customer needs and obtain valuable feedback to help. They improve the product.”
Startup Ahoko strengthens its ecosystem with network
The event brings together a number of start-ups active in the fields of e-commerce, digital loyalty, circular economy, administrative dematerialization and transportation. Among this talent, startup Ahoko has attracted attention and revolutionized the Ivorian car rental market by offering a digital platform that brings private car owners and renters together.
“There are 1 million cars in Côte d’Ivoire, but only 600,000 are on the road. Of the 400,000 idle vehicles, 170,000 are less than five years old and are ideally suited for partial leasing. Our Ahoko platform is designed to bring mobility in the garage to Recently parked vehicles for rent,” explains Eric ADANGBA, founder of Ahoko.
Founded in 2017, the startup employs 18 full-time employees across six country locations. Its goals for 2025 are to exceed $2 million in sales and achieve the symbolic milestone of 1,000 registered vehicles. Ahoko also plans to conquer Senegal before expanding its horizons to 10 new African countries over the next five years.
“In order to achieve our company goals, we are currently developing a range of new vehicles available for leasing. We need to work with banking and insurance partners. This business meeting has allowed us to get in touch with several institutions and discussions are ongoing.” Eric ADANGBA said.
What’s more, the B2B conference enabled him to win new regular business clients and solidify his brand image: “Participating in such events under the banner of the NTFV project definitely increases recognition. At the networking conference, I have access to To some big companies and decision-makers that I would be hard-pressed to reach on my own.”
For the Côte d’Ivoire PME initiative, the action has also proven fruitful. “This is a win-win cooperation that helps small businesses in Côte d’Ivoire become more efficient and competitive. For 2025, I sincerely hope that we can renew our joint actions,” said Jean-Marc KOUAME-MORO.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
