Côte d’Ivoire is stepping up efforts to integrate artificial intelligence and digital technologies into public administration, while placing greater emphasis on digital inclusion, data protection and cybersecurity.
The move is part of the country’s broader digital transformation strategy, as authorities seek to make public services more accessible and efficient without widening the gap between connected and underserved populations.
The National Agency for Universal Telecommunications Service (ANSUT) has made digital inclusion a central priority in its 2026-2030 strategic plan. The agency aims to expand connectivity and access to digital services, particularly for people in rural and underserved areas.
The government is also developing the regulatory and institutional framework needed to support the use of artificial intelligence. The Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization has identified artificial intelligence, data protection, cybersecurity, platform regulation and the digital economy among the key issues to be addressed as Côte d’Ivoire develops its digital framework.
For the authorities, the expansion of digital public services cannot be separated from the question of access.
If government services increasingly rely on digital platforms and AI-assisted systems, citizens without reliable internet access, appropriate devices or sufficient digital skills risk being excluded from essential services.
ANSUT has therefore continued to focus on reducing the digital divide, including through connectivity projects targeting underserved communities and the development of digital innovation and culture centres.
Cybersecurity is another major concern.
As government institutions collect and process increasing amounts of personal and administrative data, protecting these systems from cyberattacks and preventing misuse of personal information are becoming increasingly important.
The creation of the National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) has strengthened Côte d’Ivoire’s institutional framework for protecting the country’s digital infrastructure. The agency has also highlighted issues including data protection and the risks associated with artificial intelligence.
The government is simultaneously working to strengthen the digital infrastructure supporting public administration, including data centres, cloud infrastructure and systems designed to enable interoperability and secure data exchange.
The objective is to allow different government systems to communicate more effectively while maintaining security and protecting citizens’ information.
The development of AI-enabled public services also raises questions about accountability and human oversight.
While artificial intelligence could help governments process information faster, automate routine administrative tasks and improve access to public services, authorities face the challenge of ensuring that automated systems do not replace appropriate human judgment in decisions affecting citizens.
Côte d’Ivoire’s digital transformation is therefore increasingly being framed around three interconnected priorities: expanding access to technology, strengthening national digital sovereignty and ensuring that digital systems operate within a secure and appropriate legal framework.
The government’s 2026-2030 development plan identifies digital technology as a strategic driver of economic and administrative transformation, reflecting the growing importance of AI and digital infrastructure in the country’s development agenda.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the challenge will be to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence extend beyond government institutions and digitally connected urban populations.
The success of the strategy will ultimately depend on whether citizens across the country can access the infrastructure, skills and protections needed to participate in an increasingly digital economy and public administration.