By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Côte d'Ivoire is driving its
digital transformation agenda with plans to integrate artificial intelligence
into public service delivery through a partnership between the Ministry of
Digital Transition and Technological Innovation (MTNI) and the Office of the
Mediator of the Republic.
The initiative was outlined
during an institutional panel meeting, where Minister of Digital Transition and
Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, joined the Mediator of the
Republic, Gaoussou Touré, to discuss the theme, "Artificial Intelligence
and Mediation Institutions: Opportunities, Risks and Safeguards."
The discussions focused on
how artificial intelligence can be deployed within mediation institutions in a
manner that is sovereign, secure and ethical, while remaining aligned with Côte
d'Ivoire's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
During the event, Ouattara
reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting the Ombudsman's Office in
developing practical AI applications aimed at improving public service
delivery.
Among the projects announced
is an AI-powered automatic translation system for Côte d'Ivoire's national
languages. The initiative is intended to make the services of the Ombudsman's
Office more accessible by enabling citizens to communicate and receive services
in their preferred local languages.
The proposed solution is
expected to enhance inclusivity by reducing language barriers that often limit
access to public services, particularly for citizens who are more comfortable
communicating in indigenous languages.
According to the minister,
artificial intelligence also has the potential to improve administrative
efficiency by accelerating the processing of public requests and modernising
citizen reception services.
However, he emphasized that
while AI can enhance operational efficiency, it should complement rather than
replace the human element in mediation and public administration.
"Artificial
intelligence will speed up the processing of requests and modernise the
reception of users. But discernment, listening and fairness remain
fundamentally human," Ouattara said.
