Côte d’Ivoire: Digital Economy Could Nearly Double to $6.4 Billion by 2035

Côte d’Ivoire’s digital economy could nearly double to $6.4 billion by 2035, driven by expanding connectivity, growing digital services and the adoption of artificial intelligence, according to a prospective study conducted by Public First for Meta.

The report identifies digital connectivity as a key driver of this transformation. Investment in telecommunications infrastructure, including submarine cables, is expected to increase internet capacity and help improve the quality and affordability of connections.

The 2Africa submarine cable is one of the projects highlighted in the study. Its associated infrastructure could enable about 1.9 million additional people in Côte d’Ivoire to gain access to the internet over the next decade, according to the projections.

The impact could extend beyond internet access. Improved connectivity could support the expansion of e-commerce, digital financial services, cloud computing and online business activities.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are expected to be among the main beneficiaries. The study estimates that around 2 million Ivorian SMEs already use Meta platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, for their business activities.

According to the report, these platforms generated around $160 million in direct commercial activity in Côte d’Ivoire in 2025. Digital tools also helped businesses improve productivity and reach customers beyond their traditional local markets.

Artificial intelligence could provide another major source of economic growth. Public First estimates that faster adoption of AI could generate up to $3.5 billion in additional economic value for Côte d’Ivoire by 2035.

The study also highlights the potential of open-source AI models. Wider access to such technologies could allow African developers and companies to build solutions adapted to local needs in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education and financial services.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, the report projects that the digital economy could reach around $300 billion by 2035, up from approximately $130 billion today.

For Côte d’Ivoire, however, achieving the $6.4 billion projection will depend on continued investment in digital infrastructure, wider internet access, digital skills and the ability of businesses to effectively integrate new technologies.

The $6.4 billion figure should therefore be viewed as a projection rather than a guaranteed outcome.

If investment in connectivity, digital services and AI continues to accelerate, the digital economy could become an increasingly important contributor to Côte d’Ivoire’s economic growth over the next decade.