Côte d’Ivoire will welcome satellite internet provider Starlink from July 2026 and begin the rollout of 5G services nationwide as part of an ambitious strategy to accelerate the country's digital transformation, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation Djibril Ouattara announced on Thursday.
Speaking during the government's online dialogue platform "Gouv'Talk", organized by the Government Information and Communication Center (CICG), Ouattara outlined ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening connectivity, innovation, digital skills, and public administration.
The minister said Starlink's entry into the Ivorian market would provide high-speed fixed internet access through satellite technology, helping expand connectivity across the country.
He also presented the seven pillars of Côte d’Ivoire’s digital development strategy, supported by 40 flagship projects. These pillars include Connectivity, Government Digital Transformation, Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Skills Development, and the Modernization of La Poste Côte d’Ivoire.
According to Ouattara, the government continues to work closely with telecommunications operators to improve internet services nationwide. As part of these efforts, the deployment of 5G technology will begin in July, with cities of more than 25,000 inhabitants gradually receiving coverage.
While welcoming what he described as a 95% internet coverage rate through fiber-optic networks, fixed broadband services, and mobile technologies ranging from 2G to 4G, the minister expressed concern over the country's smartphone penetration rate, which currently stands at around 40%.
To address the gap, the government plans to facilitate access to affordable smartphones, particularly in rural areas, with the goal of raising smartphone adoption to 80% and ensuring that more citizens can benefit from high-speed digital services.
Ouattara also reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving mobile phone coverage in underserved rural communities.
On public sector modernization, he revealed plans to establish a single digital platform for accessing government services, enabling greater interoperability between state institutions and simplifying administrative procedures for citizens.
Addressing the development of artificial intelligence, the minister said authorities are working on strengthening the regulatory and legislative framework governing AI technologies. The objective, he noted, is to ensure ethical and responsible use while building an AI ecosystem tailored to local realities, languages, and economic needs.
"Concrete use cases in healthcare, education and public administration are currently being identified," Ouattara said.
Responding to concerns over the quality of telecommunications services, he announced the introduction of a new monitoring mechanism aligned with international standards. Nationwide service-quality assessment campaigns have been completed, and the results will be published in the near future, he added.
The minister also unveiled plans to modernize La Poste Côte d’Ivoire in response to the rapid growth of e-commerce. A major logistics and postal hub will be established to ensure that parcels arriving in Côte d’Ivoire can be delivered anywhere in the country within two days.
Ouattara further highlighted the participation of 20 Ivorian startups and 10 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at Viva Technology, Europe's largest innovation and technology event, scheduled to take place in Paris from June 17 to 20.
The initiatives form part of Côte d’Ivoire’s broader ambition to position itself as a leading digital hub in West Africa while expanding access to technology-driven opportunities for businesses and citizens alike.