Côte d’Ivoire targets digital economy growth at African Digital Week 2026
Date: 2026-06-02
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of
Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, has outlined
the country's vision for leveraging emerging technologies to drive economic
growth and digital transformation across the nation.
Speaking at the opening of
the sixth edition of African Digital Week at the Sofitel Hotel Ivoire in
Abidjan, Ouattara emphasized the transformative potential of innovation and
emerging technologies in shaping Africa’s future development.
The event, held under the
theme “Emerging Technologies: Shaping the Africa of Tomorrow,” brought together
government officials, private sector leaders, technology innovators and other
stakeholders to discuss the role of digital technologies in accelerating
socio-economic progress on the continent.
During his address, the
minister presented Côte d’Ivoire’s national digital transformation roadmap,
which is structured around seven strategic pillars and 40 priority projects
designed to strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem.
He stated that the
government’s objective is to position digital technology as a major engine of
economic growth and increase the sector’s contribution to 15 percent of the
country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Ouattara highlighted the
importance of collaboration among government institutions, private sector
actors, academic institutions and technology ecosystem stakeholders in
achieving the country's digital ambitions.
He noted that building a
competitive digital economy requires coordinated efforts to foster innovation,
develop digital skills, expand technological infrastructure and support
entrepreneurship.
The minister called for
greater collective action to accelerate digital transformation and unlock new
opportunities for economic development, innovation and job creation.
African Digital Week is one
of the continent’s leading technology and innovation forums, providing a
platform for discussions on emerging technologies, digital policy,
entrepreneurship and the future of Africa’s digital economy.
