(Ecofin Agency) - Ivorian MPs adopted for the next fiscal year a state budget of CFA9,901.1 billion (about $16.9 billion), up 17.9% compared to 2021. Of this amount, $49.3 million (CFA28.8 billion) will go for the Ministry of Communications, Media and the Francophonie.

The new budget was presented last week by Minister Amadou Coulibaly (pictured) when the 2022 Finance Act was adopted. For next FY, the official plans to develop new legal texts that will upgrade the institutional environment of the communication and media sector, upskill the HR team, and improve financial resource management.

Moreover, the new budget will help review the planning, monitoring and evaluation of major projects in the communication, media and Francophonie sectors. It will also help strengthen information coverage rates of TV, radio and print media by at least 70%. "Our vision is institutional as it seeks to strengthen the legislative framework and the regulations of services and entities. It also has a human aspect as it values human resources by providing them with professional and social assistance. Finally, our vision is economic because it supports the creation and promotion of production tools in the sector," the minister said.

Ultimately, Amadou Coulibaly says, the ambition of his department is to improve governance of the communication sector and the media, ensure access to quality information for the well-being of people and strengthen the visibility of the Francophonie.

Isaac K. Kassouwi (intern)