Challenge+ Afrique Marks Five Years of Empowering Entrepreneurs in West Africa
ABIDJAN—On February 5th, Challenge+ Afrique celebrated its fifth anniversary with a vibrant event in Abidjan, uniting entrepreneurs, alumni, institutional partners, and key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This milestone not only reflected on the program’s successes but also outlined its vision for the future, coinciding with the 35th year of its foundational French counterpart launched in 1990. The celebration included the introduction of the fifth cohort, reaffirming Challenge+ Afrique’s pivotal role in shaping West Africa’s innovation landscape.
Originally launched in Abidjan in 2021 and recently expanded to Dakar in 2023, Challenge+ Afrique has emerged as a crucial driver of entrepreneurial growth across Francophone Africa. The initiative aims to provide high-potential innovative projects with a robust framework grounded in economic fundamentals and long-term mentorship.
Catalyzing Impact Through Structured Support
Over the past five years, Challenge+ Afrique has mentored 117 entrepreneurs through six cohorts—four based in Abidjan and two in Dakar—fostering the development of 93 unique projects. An impact report released during the anniversary disclosed that 84% of participants feel their ventures would not have thrived without the program, while an impressive 95% would recommend it to others. These statistics highlight the program’s integral role in local markets and its strong influence on the advancement of startups.
Voices of Inspiration and Experience
The anniversary evening featured insights from key figures in the program, including Academic Co-Directors Etienne Krieger, Talibi Haidra, and Adama Touré. Daouda Coulibaly, President of the Alumni Chapter in Côte d’Ivoire, and Alexis John Ahyee, Director of the HEC Paris West and Central Africa Office, also shared their perspectives. A shared commitment resonated in their discussions: to nurture resilient and sustainable startups deeply embedded in their marketplaces.
Professor Etienne Krieger, the original founder of the program in France, praised Africa’s burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit. “Africa is experiencing a powerful entrepreneurial surge,” he said. “The challenge is no longer to prove that talent exists, but to provide the frameworks and networks necessary for it to scale. This is the core strength of Challenge+ Afrique: an experienced community of entrepreneurs dedicated to the long-term growth of the ecosystem.”
Echoing this, Alexis John Ahyee emphasized the program’s mission. “Talent is everywhere; our role is to create conditions for it to flourish. For five years, we haven’t just supported projects; we have empowered individuals to refine their visions and rigorously test their models against market realities. African entrepreneurship doesn’t thrive on compassion—it flourishes through methods, confidence, and steadfast allies.”
Success Stories from Emerging Entrepreneurs
The transformative impact of the program was evident in the experiences of participants like Aziz Daïfi and Thibaut Cathenoz, founders of Leya, a fintech company in Côte d’Ivoire. Their innovative, AI-driven solution enhances liquidity management for mobile money agents. In a global market valued at $1.1 trillion and encompassing over 7.7 million points of sale in Africa, Leya addresses critical issues like operational inefficiency, which severely limits transaction capabilities.
Another inspiring attendee was Tchancia Yoro, founder of Maison Abylou, a luxury fragrance brand and winner of the 2024 Impact Prize. She attributed much of her success to Challenge+ Afrique, explaining, “The program was a decisive accelerator. It helped me clarify my vision and connect with an influential network. It transformed my idea into tangible reality.”
Celebrating Diversity and Future Potential
The new fifth cohort introduces 26 entrepreneurs leading 24 projects in key industries such as energy, healthcare, agribusiness, luxury, and real estate. Notably, 46% of this cohort are women, a significant milestone that underscores the essential role of women in advancing Africa’s economy.
The Abidjan celebration is part of a broader narrative that encompasses a 35-year legacy of the Challenge+ program. Since its inception in France, the venture has inspired the creation of over 1,000 projects, facilitated more than €1 billion in private investments, and yielded 7 IPOs along with over 1,000 patents. This wealth of experience is now actively applied in the African context.
A Call to Action for the Future
As the night drew to a close, attendees were encouraged to “dare” to innovate, adapt, and lead transformations. True to the HEC Paris motto, “Learn to dare,” Challenge+ Afrique continues to empower a new generation of African leaders, guiding them in turning bold aspirations into lasting enterprises.
— Reported by Nexio News
