French telecom company Orange has announced its first start up incubator for small and medium sized enterprises (SME) in Niger called CIPMEN
CIPMEN has been designed to support SMEs from the time they launch till they are considered mature enough to reap profits independently, stated Orange Niger.
The incubator, launched in Niamey is expected to support companies in sectors such as information and communication technologies, renewable energy and environment, Orange Niger revealed.
The project is set to enable the launch of other regional initiatives in Niger, added authorities in the country.
”The purpose of CIPMEN is to help innovative SMEs grow on a market where many companies fail to see the light of day, and to bridge the gap between the informal sector and the larger national and international companies," Orange officials said.
"Niger offers few suitable support mechanisms for upcoming businesses, despite the central role that companies play in creating jobs for young people, helping to form a middle class, and in creating and redistributing wealth,” officials revealed.
