Côte d’Ivoire is stepping up its campaign for a seat on the Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), positioning its digital transformation as a key argument for its candidacy.

Ahead of the 7th World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum in Nassau, The Bahamas, from September 2 to 4, Ivorian representatives are expected to engage ITU member states and international partners to explain why Abidjan wants to return to the Council. 

The country is putting four priorities at the centre of its campaign: expanding digital inclusion, supporting technological innovation, creating more opportunities for young people in the digital economy and reducing the digital divide.

Abidjan is also pointing to progress made at home. According to the 2026 ITU ICT Development Index figures cited in the campaign, Côte d’Ivoire improved its score from 69.5 to 72 points and ranked 15th in Africa. Mobile broadband coverage reached about 98% for 3G and 90% for 4G/LTE.

The government has also structured its national digital strategy around seven pillars and 40 strategic projects, covering connectivity, digital skills, cybersecurity, innovation, emerging technologies and digital public services.

For Abidjan, the objective goes beyond securing a diplomatic position. A seat on the ITU Council would give Côte d’Ivoire a direct role in discussions shaping international telecommunications and technology policies.

The election for the 2027–2030 Council term will take place at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Qatar in November 2026. Africa has 13 seats on the 48-member Council.

Côte d’Ivoire is therefore seeking to turn its progress in digital transformation into greater influence at the international level with a message centred on one ambition: making digital development more inclusive, innovative and accessible across Africa.