At B9F7 Parvis Trust, we believe that sustainable economic development is built on the convergence of two critical elements: world-class digital infrastructure and the specialized human talent required to build, manage, and govern it. The West African region, and particularly Côte d’Ivoire, is in the midst of an explosive digital transformation. This rapid adoption of cloud computing, mobile finance, and interconnected data infrastructure is creating immense economic opportunity.

However, this accelerated growth is also exposing a critical vulnerability: a systemic shortage of high-level, locally trained professionals in the fields of data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The most advanced fiber-optic network or AI platform is only as strong as the human experts who can secure it, manage its data, and apply it ethically. This “human infrastructure” gap is the primary bottleneck to long-term, resilient growth.

To address this precise challenge, B9F7 Parvis Trust is proud to announce a strategic, targeted grant of 37.79 million West African CFA francs (XOF) to Lycée et École Supérieure Prièste. This institution’s unique, integrated educational model, which guides students from foundational secondary-level (Lycée) studies to advanced higher-education (École Supérieure) specialization, provides the perfect ecosystem for building a sustainable, long-term talent pipeline.

This grant is not a general contribution. It is a specific, earmarked investment to establish the “Prièste Initiative for Responsible AI and Secure Infrastructure.”

The capital will be deployed with surgical precision to achieve two primary objectives. First, it will fund the acquisition of a new, dedicated high-performance computing (HPC) cluster. This cluster will give students the hands-on processing power needed to train foundational AI models, analyze complex datasets, and understand the mechanics of machine learning at a practical level.

Second, the funds will be used to build a sophisticated “cyber-range” and network security laboratory. This includes the acquisition of advanced networking hardware, virtualization servers, and industry-standard security software. This secure “sandbox” environment will allow students to simulate and defend against real-world cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, learn network penetration testing, and master defensive protocols in a controlled, safe setting.

This new facility will empower Lycée et École Supérieure Prièste to launch a new, cutting-edge certification track focused on two of the region’s most pressing needs: Applied AI Ethics and Critical Infrastructure Defense. Students will be trained not just to use the new technology, but to manage its risks and govern its application.

This investment is a direct reflection of our core thesis. Our investments in Network Infrastructure and AI are only viable if the “human layer” is secure, capable, and well-educated. By partnering with Lycée et École Supérieure Prièste, we are not just funding a school; we are investing in the next generation of Ivorian and West African leaders who will build, secure, and govern the region’s digital future.