Mobile network operator MTN has launched a new incubation programme called Ye'llo Startup in Ivory Coast that aims to help young entrepreneurs to design and deploy digital solutions.

The company says ten startups will be selected for the first incubation that will last for one month between 30 November and 31 December 2017, after which four will be selected for another phase of incubation that will run until August 2018.

Ye'llo startup is backed by MTN Business and is the first competition for young entrepreneurs heading up startups outside of South Africa.

Alpheus Mangale, MTN Business ‎Chief Enterprise Officer, said, "MTN is not only a South African brand, it is an African brand. We have made a commitment and the idea is to launch in other markets where relevant. We have to look at how App of the Year and other activities can benefit other African markets and we will do that when it makes sense."

Ye'llo startup competition entrants must be aged between 18 to 35 years. The company says entrants must pitch projects that "are innovative, economically viable and socially impactful" among other criteria.

Those who stand out as favourites are eligible to receive funds to the tune of 5 Million FCFA to build and launch their respective projects.

Winners will also receive access to all technical platforms of MTN Ivory Coast in addition to weekly conferences and daily coaching sessions.

Mandisa Ntloko, General Manager of Enterprise Marketing at MTN Business SA told ITWeb Africa during the MTN App Awards, held recently in Johannesburg, that the company plans to introduce that competition in Kenya as part of support for entrepreneurs living there.

"Without having to pre-empt, what I'm going to say is that one of the countries that have shown interest in running these awards is Kenya. Kenya is kind of known as 'the silicon valley of Africa', so we are hoping that at some point, we are going to introduce them to Kenya, working with the Kenyan office."

MTN Ivory Coast recorded good growth in revenue, according to the mobile operator's latest performance update issued at the end of September 2017.

Data revenue in the country increased by 70,1%, benefiting from the expansion of the operation's 3G network while digital revenue increased by 33,5%.

MTN Ivory Coast also revealed that it increased its subscriber base by 5,5% to 11,6 million over the third quarter.