The city of Abidjan hosted a major regional event spotlighting the potential of blockchain and AI for West Africa. Held on 8–9 April 2025 at the Postel 2001 building, the Blockchain & AI B2B Days brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders—from startup founders and tech innovators to policymakers and investors—across Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, France, Belgium, and Seychelles. The EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) orchestrated the event and received backing from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands through the Netherlands Trust Fund V – Ghana Tech Project.
The gathering aimed to cultivate a collaborative tech ecosystem while enhancing Africa’s competitive stance in emerging digital sectors. According to the EUACC, this initiative is more than just a two-day meeting—it’s part of a longer-term push to place Africa at the forefront of blockchain and AI-led innovation.
Cross-Border Partnerships Take Centre Stage
One of the event’s most talked-about moments was the keynote by Kounandi Stéphane Coulibaly, Director of Innovation, Startups & Private Sector at Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalisation. His address set the tone for a series of discussions and pitches focused on leveraging blockchain and AI for economic growth.
A standout panel featured thought leaders from Binance Africa, ITC Ghana, StratejAI, and the EUACC, who shared insights into the promises and roadblocks facing tech adoption in Africa. Startups from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire also had the spotlight in a fast-paced pitching session, with nine companies presenting cutting-edge solutions powered by AI and blockchain.
Attendees also heard a first-hand account of Côte d’Ivoire’s business landscape from Mohamed Sounkere, CEO of VEONE, who offered a candid look into the region’s entrepreneurial climate.
To cap it off, a group of 30 delegates was selected for a guided excursion to VITIB Technopole in Grand-Bassam, a tech hub playing a pivotal role in West Africa’s innovation narrative.
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