Côte d’Ivoire strengthens its position as a regional digital hub with resilient Internet infrastructure

Côte d’Ivoire is emerging as one of West Africa’s stronger digital markets, scoring 51 out of 100 on the Internet Society’s Internet Resilience Index, well above the regional average of 39.

The index measures the ability of a country’s Internet ecosystem to withstand disruptions and maintain reliable connectivity. It assesses four main areas: infrastructure, market readiness, performance and security.

Côte d’Ivoire ranks first in West Africa for market readiness, with a score of 52 out of 100. The category measures factors including market competitiveness and the ability to provide affordable Internet access to consumers. The country’s overall score is also above the African average of 41.

The country’s strongest performance comes in Internet security, where it scores 65 out of 100. Its performance pillar stands at 55, while infrastructure remains comparatively weaker at 33.

The figures point to a digital ecosystem that has developed significant strengths while still facing infrastructure challenges. The Internet Society says Côte d’Ivoire’s Internet is, on average, more resilient than those of other countries in Western Africa and ranks it among the stronger performers on the continent.

The country’s growing digital infrastructure is also supporting its ambitions to become a regional technology and business hub. Internet access, telecommunications, data infrastructure and digital services have become increasingly important to Côte d’Ivoire’s economic development strategy.

However, the resilience score does not mean that the country’s digital ecosystem is without weaknesses. The relatively low infrastructure score highlights the need for continued investment to expand connectivity and strengthen the networks supporting the country’s digital economy.

For investors, the combination of a relatively resilient Internet ecosystem, strong market readiness and improving digital infrastructure could make Côte d’Ivoire an increasingly attractive destination for technology companies and digital businesses in West Africa.

The country’s challenge will now be to translate these gains into broader and more reliable access, while continuing to invest in infrastructure, cybersecurity and the development of its digital economy.