Cybastion, a US-based security firm signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement worth $23 million with the Ivorian Ministry of Tourism to revolutionize the tourism sector in Côte d’Ivoire.
The deal will see the west African nation welcome more than five million tourists as it positions itself as a top African destination by the year 2025.
Present during the partnership agreement were Minister Siandou Fofana, Ivorian Tourism Minister, and Dr. Thierry Wandji, CEO of Cybastion, in Abidjan.
“Cybastion is pleased to have the opportunity to reinforce President Biden’s commitments made during the US Africa Leaders Summit to support digital transformation across Africa,” said Dr. Thierry Wandji, CEO of Cybastion, in Abidjan.
Part of the deal is that US firm will provide digital solutions such as an e-administration platform, centralized marketplace, and electronic wallet solution.
These solutions will streamline administrative processes and offer secure payment options to tourists.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone toward fulfilling the Ivorian national tourism development strategy’s continental leadership objectives.
We look forward to witnessing the positive impact that this collaboration will have on the Cote d’Ivoire’s tourism sector.”
More details about the deal
The $23 million PPP deal is part of $853 million aid both Cybastion and Cisco announced in December last year to bolster cybersecurity through 10 contracts across Africa – starting with Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast will also be expecting $500 million from ADB Group – a US-based company for cloud technology centers that can draw major US firms.
Cybastion, a diaspora-owned security firm and Cisco Systems partner, is a cybersecurity solutions provider, offering a range of services including cyber-infrastructure, training, and digital technologies.
It is based in Durham, North Carolina and has established a strong presence in Africa, working across eight countries – among them Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Congo Brazzaville, Benin, and Cameroon.
The deal is a major boost for Ivory Coast’s tourism sector as it will also create employment.