ARTCI seminar advances regulatory compliance framework in Côte d’Ivoire’s telecom sector

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority of Côte d’Ivoire (ARTCI) has held its 2026 Regulatory Compliance Seminar in Yamoussoukro, bringing together key public and private sector stakeholders to advance the implementation of the country’s updated electronic communications regulatory framework.

The three-day seminar marked a transition from regulatory awareness to operational compliance and enforcement, following the adoption of Law No. 2024-352 in June 2024. Discussions focused on strengthening compliance mechanisms, improving licensing frameworks, and aligning industry practices with evolving regulatory standards.

Participants reviewed progress made under the 2025 compliance action plans, identifying implementation gaps and setting priority actions for the next phase. The seminar also recorded significant progress in the revision of licensing frameworks, with broad consensus reached on most areas, while a few strategic issues remain under consideration.

ARTCI introduced a structured regulatory compliance framework during the session, including plans for a forthcoming compliance guide aimed at supporting operators and stakeholders in meeting regulatory obligations. Consumer protection also featured prominently, with regulators incorporating stakeholder feedback into policy considerations to enhance safeguards within the sector.

The seminar further explored future market developments, including satellite connectivity and emerging models for shared infrastructure, reflecting the sector’s ongoing evolution and the need for adaptive regulatory approaches.

Stakeholders emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration in shaping effective regulation, noting that co-creation between regulators and market actors is critical to building a transparent, predictable, and innovation-friendly environment.

ARTCI indicated that the next phase will focus on consolidating outcomes from the seminar, finalizing outstanding regulatory instruments, and advancing implementation efforts to deliver measurable impact across the telecommunications sector.