HEC Paris and CDC-CI Capital Empower African Startups in Abidjan
From September 1st to 6th, 2025, Abidjan hosted a major milestone for innovation and entrepreneurship in West Africa. As part of the Startup Ecosystem Support Program (Programme d’Appui à l’Écosystème des Startups), led by CDC-CI Capital with support from the World Bank-funded PCCET project, and in partnership with HEC Paris, the initiative started with 4,000 students tackling real-world challenges proposed by 10 companies evolved into the selection of the best projects.
The HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute and HEC Paris in Africa mobilized their ecosystem to support 12 teams developing their early-stage startup project. 80 students joined a University Design Sprint, and 6 projects will receive prototyping support. Following a competitive selection process, 10 ventures have emerged as finalists. Let’s introduce them.
The 10 finalists of the Startup Pitch
The 10 selected startups reflect the richness of African innovation across key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, mobility, technology, and beauty. These startups were selected not only for their ability to address urgent and strategic needs in Ivory Coast, but also for the scalability of their solutions across the African continent. Let’s introduce them.
- ADEBA NATURE: A biocosmetics company using locally sourced agricultural ingredients to create skincare and haircare products tailored to the specific needs of African consumers.
- ADES (Agence de Développement de l’E-Santé): A telemedicine platform providing affordable, accessible outpatient care for residents in Abidjan, bridging gaps in healthcare delivery.
- AYES Essentielle: A premium natural skincare brand from Côte d’Ivoire offering inclusive and sensorial products, designed for diverse skin tones and types.
- AYOGREEN: An agri-tech solution leveraging satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to help farmers optimize yields, reduce emissions, and meet international standards.
- Bokonzi: A comprehensive learning ecosystem that delivers playful and engaging educational tools built for the context of African classrooms.
- COLONIE: A producer of 100% natural honey from Ivorian beekeepers, improving public health, supporting rural incomes, and contributing to pollination and biodiversity.
- Djoli: A technology platform connecting food producers and restaurants to reduce food waste and streamline the supply chain using AI and real-time data.
- Flot Côte d'Ivoire: The first fully electric and inclusive ride-hailing service in West Africa, offering a sustainable and digital alternative to traditional urban transport.
- LKM DIGITAL: An intuitive digital solution for school fee payments, making the process easier for parents while offering financial transparency for schools.
POUYOU: A trusted brand of locally produced baby cereals, enriched and natural, developed to support better infant nutrition across Africa.
Next Steps for the Finalists
These promising ventures will take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey at the Incubateur HEC Paris, one of Europe’s leading startup incubators based at Station F, the world’s largest startup campus. There, they will benefit from the full support and global network of the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute, gaining access to expert mentoring, international exposure, and a thriving ecosystem designed to accelerate early-stage growth.
Their journey will culminate in a nationally televised pitch competition in Ivory Coast, where the top three startups will be selected. These three winners will be invited to submit their proposals to CDC-CI Capital for consideration of equity investment, marking a pivotal opportunity to scale their impact and attract long-term support.
In 2026, the 10 finalists will take part in a four-month acceleration program in the HEC Paris Incubateur, operated in Abidjan through its West and Central Africa office. The startups will strengthen their growth and fundraising readiness: 360° diagnostics, expert mentoring, startup management training, strategic networking, and business development support.
HEC Paris and CDC-CI Capital will continue to work closely with ecosystem partners to support these changemakers in scaling their impact in Ivory Coast and beyond.
About Incubateur HEC Paris
The HEC Paris Incubator is a participative, evolutive, à la carte startup support program, which mobilizes all the resources of the HEC Paris ecosystem around talented entrepreneurs. Its ambition is to enable entrepreneurs to achieve in 4 months the goals they would have reached alone in 1 year. Since its creation in 2007, the HEC Paris incubator has already supported over 900 companies: Leetchi, Point Vision, Garantme, Ovrsea, MyJobGlasses, Spacefill, etc...
About HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute
Top-4 European startups hub by the Financial Times/Sifted, the institute supports entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Through our Incubation & Acceleration, Deeptech, and Social Entrepreneurship centers, we assist students with innovative ideas, budding startups, rapidly scaling SMEs, transforming large enterprises, and social or environmental entrepreneurs to grow efficiently and with impact. Here, the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem of HEC Paris comes together to help you Make it Happen, Make it Big.