On April 15, 2024, the Orange Group, the European Union, and the German Cooperation (GIZ) forged a partnership agreement. The signing ceremony transpired at the Orange Digital Center (ODC) in Côte d’Ivoire, graced by representatives from each entity and officials from the Ivorian government.
Launch of the « DigiGreen & Agri » project by Orange Côte d’Ivoire
Orange Côte d’Ivoire is unveiling an agricultural innovation endeavor in collaboration with the EU and GIZ. This joint initiative seeks to foster digital innovation in agriculture, primarily focusing on the cocoa sector and low-carbon transition in Côte d’Ivoire. With a combined funding of 7.6 million EUR, the program will span over 3 years.
The project aligns with EU strategies to bolster intelligent, sustainable, and secure digital infrastructures. It endeavors to leverage up to 300 billion EUR to advance international cooperation across the digital, energy, and transportation domains.
Main objectives of the DigiGreen & Agri Project
The « DigiGreen & Agri » project aims to enhance the professional skills of youth, women, and individuals with disabilities in the digital sector, providing them with new opportunities in the dynamic job market.
Additionally, the initiative seeks to foster the growth of ambitious micro, small, and medium-sized digital enterprises. A seed fund will be deployed to bolster early-stage enterprises, specifically targeting those with promising potential.
The goal is to empower these entities to expand their operations and accelerate their growth through tailored financial assistance and specialized guidance. Orange and GIZ will leverage the expertise of the Digital Africa program to identify and support these startups financially.
Long-Term program execution
« We have implemented a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system, finalized legislation on climate change, and enhanced coordination of actions », remarked Jacques Assahoré Konan, Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Ecological Transition.
By 2030, the greenhouse gas emissions rate will decrease by 30.41 %, reducing CO₂ emissions by 37 million tonnes. The project will span from 2024 to 2030, with an allocated funding of approximately 4 billion FCFA (6.5 million USD).
The « Low Carbon Transition-Côte d’Ivoire » project encompasses five priority sectors as part of its economic development initiative :
- Agriculture, livestock farming, aquaculture
- Forests and land use
- Water resources
- Health
- Coastal areas
These elements are pivotal in achieving the sustainable development objectives of the « Low Carbon Transition-Côte d’Ivoire » project. This transition program actively supports government actions in the process and monitoring of climate commitments.
Commitments to Local Communities
In Côte d’Ivoire, the new project contributes to entrepreneurship, modernization, and innovation in sustainable agriculture sectors. The initiative also supports the low-carbon transition and corporate social responsibility. Consequently, the project aids in developing the cocoa sector, which constitutes 22 % of the GDP and employs 50 % of the agricultural workforce.
The collaboration targets an inclusive group, particularly in the agriculture and digital sectors. According to the GIZ division director, it will promote synergies with other ongoing cooperation programs in Côte d’Ivoire.
The collaboration facilitates reaching a significant target group, particularly within the agricultural and digital sectors, while fostering binding energy with other ongoing cooperation programs in Côte d’Ivoire, as highlighted by the GIZ Division Director.
