CMA CGM launches a ZEBOX hub in Abidjan to support innovation and entrepreneurship in West Africa

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June 07, 2023

• ZEBOX West Africa becomes the 5^th regional hub of the startup accelerator ZEBOX, initiated by CMA CGM
• 8 startups supported by ZEBOX West Africa, highlighting the entrepreneurial dynamism in West Africa
• Le Phare - the CMA CGM Foundation's social incubator, launches its first cohort in Côte d'Ivoire.

The CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, officially launches ZEBOX West Africa in Abidjan, in the presence of Amadou Coulibaly, Minister for Communication and the Digital Economy and Government spokesperson, Jean-Marc Yace, Mayor of Cocody, Gwen Salley, CEO of ZEBOX, Joseph Olivier Biley, Hub Manager of ZEBOX West Africa and Xavier Collignon, Managing Director of CMA CGM Côte d'Ivoire. This is the fifth regional hub of the ZEBOX startup accelerator, following those in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific.

8 startups supported and 3 sponsor-partners in Abidjan

ZEBOX West Africa supports 8 startups in the fields of logistics, mobility, and healthcare: Docaya, Etudesk, EV. Tech, Jobo, Kemet Automotive, Trigger's Reports LTD, TWENDE and UgoRent.

These startups benefit from a support program designed to assist entrepreneurs executing their projects and accelerating their growth, as well as raising funds through the investor community gathered around ZEBOX. Three sponsor-partners (B. Transport International, IFG Afrique and PLASTICA CI) are already supporting ZEBOX West Africa.

A strategic hub and a significant opening to the African continent

ZEBOX is the first accelerator focused on supply-chain, logistics and mobility businesses, and it has chosen to be established in the heart of Abidjan in order to support local entrepreneurial dynamics. This location, which offers a unique gateway to the African continent, is a strategic hub for transport, mobility, and logistics challenges.

ZEBOX West Africa offers more than 650m² of premises to help foster innovation and collaboration between the region's startups and businesses in the region. This establishment also provides an opportunity for all startups in the ZEBOX network wishing to venture into the region.

A unique international network of entrepreneurs, decision-makers, experts and investors

ZEBOX was founded in 2018 by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, to accelerate efforts to decarbonize and optimize supply-chain operations through joint innovation with the most promising startups.

Since it was founded in Marseille in 2018, ZEBOX has supported sustainable technological projects in the supply-chain sector, particularly in the transport, logistics and energy fields. The ZEBOX community, which now comprises 19 partners and over 150 startups, has contributed to raising over $235 million in funding and has initiated more than 100 co-innovation projects between startups and corporate partners.

Le Phare - the social incubator of the CMA CGM Foundation - welcomes its first cohort in Côte d'Ivoire, consisting of 4 startups

After Marseille and Pointe à Pitre, the CMA CGM Foundation's social incubator Le Phare is expanding its program to Abidjan, where 4 startups - TG Master, Studio Kä, Bii and Les Icônes de Kimia - working on educational and community projects will receive free support for nine months. They all bring innovative solutions on key topics for Côte d'Ivoire and the CMA CGM Foundation, including access to education for all and assistance to the most vulnerable populations in times of crises.