With roughly 300 active start-ups in Côte d’Ivoire, according to government estimates, aspiring entrepreneurs seek prestigious training to elevate their ventures. The Challenge + Afrique initiative, launched by France’s HEC Paris, has emerged as a key player in nurturing these ambitious founders.
Transforming ideas into scalable ventures
In a classroom setting, about twenty participants—both men and women—are introduced to the basics of start-up financing and scaling strategies. Mariama Kaba, a professional from the Sénégal who specializes in validating professional experience, shares her aspirations: «I’ve contributed to several projects, but I was always in the background. This program is my chance to focus on my own venture, acquire essential skills… especially in finance, which has always felt overwhelming. This morning’s session on start-up fundamentals was eye-opening—I took detailed notes to create a summary later. What excites me most? The network! The people here are incredibly inspiring. Even after just two days, I’ve already shared stories about my peers with friends and family. I’m exactly where I need to be to step out of my comfort zone.»
The current cohort encompasses diverse projects, from housing solutions to energy-saving technologies.
From vision to execution
Participants invest €5,000 (approximately 3 million West African CFA francs) to access guidance from seasoned experts like Etienne Krieger, a finance professor. His mission is clear: «We help founders recognize the key ingredients for success—identifying genuine market needs, crafting compelling offerings, and building credibility to attract investors. The goal is to transition from an artisanal model to an industrial one.»
Leya, an Abidjan-based start-up that ensures mobile money kiosks maintain adequate cash reserves, is one of the program’s success stories. Co-founder Thibaut Cathenoz reflects: «The training gave us invaluable perspective. We refined our pitch, clarified our value proposition, and mastered the fundraising process. It proved instrumental—we successfully secured investment afterward.»
Five years of impact in West Africa
Since its inception, Challenge + Afrique has mentored nearly 120 start-ups across Abidjan and Dakar, fostering a new generation of innovators ready to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges.