Côte d’Ivoire advances digital sovereignty with U.S.-backed national data center project

Côte d’Ivoire is advancing its digital transformation agenda with the development of a national data center project backed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM), a move aimed at strengthening the country’s digital sovereignty and public data security.

The initiative, implemented in partnership with Cybastion Institute of Technology, was highlighted in Washington as part of EXIM’s financing of strategic infrastructure projects in emerging economies. The project has been recognized within the framework of EXIM’s support for future-oriented industries, underscoring growing U.S.–Africa cooperation in the digital sector.

According to official sources, the data center is expected to enhance the storage and protection of government data, improve the efficiency of public digital services, and support Côte d’Ivoire’s broader digital transformation strategy.

Authorities say the project marks a shift toward sovereign digital infrastructure investments, reducing reliance on external data hosting while positioning the country as a regional technology hub in West Africa.

The financing agreement forms part of a wider push by Côte d’Ivoire to modernize its economy through technology, alongside efforts to attract private investment and strengthen its digital ecosystem.

While details of the total investment package were not fully disclosed, the EXIM-backed initiative is seen as a milestone in the country’s ambition to build secure and resilient digital infrastructure.

The project comes as Côte d’Ivoire continues to expand its digital economy, with authorities emphasizing cybersecurity, data protection, and innovation as key pillars of future growth.