• Côte d’Ivoire is advancing talks with the United States on digital infrastructure and innovation

• Starlink is positioned as a key tool to expand internet access in rural areas

• The government is backing its strategy with over $298 million in combined funding

Côte d’Ivoire is stepping up efforts to accelerate its digital economy, with a renewed focus on infrastructure, innovation, and international partnerships. On March 13, Digital Transition and Digitalization Minister Djibril Ouattara met with a delegation from the U.S. Embassy to discuss key areas of cooperation, including connectivity and technology development.

Satellite push to bridge rural gaps

A central topic was the rollout of Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by U.S.-based SpaceX. Approved by the country’s telecom regulator, ARTCI, in September 2025, Starlink is seen as a practical solution to the limits of ground-based networks, especially in rural areas.

For the government, satellite technology offers a faster path to narrowing the digital divide. Internet penetration stood at about 40.7% at the end of 2025, according to DataReportal, highlighting the scale of the challenge.

Infrastructure ambitions backed by funding

The discussions also highlighted the Digital City project, a flagship plan to build a technology hub for startups and innovative companies. The initiative includes a data center aimed at improving digital public services and supporting a broader innovation ecosystem.

This strategy is supported by significant funding. The government plans to allocate $146.9 million to digital sector projects in 2026. In parallel, Côte d’Ivoire recently secured $152 million from the World Bank to launch the first phase of its Digital Acceleration Project (PADCI).

In this context, closer cooperation with the United States could help speed up priority projects, particularly in connectivity, digital public services, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Samira Njoya