Abidjan, September 16, 2026 – Côte d'Ivoire is running for a seat on the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for the 2027–2030 term. Committed to securing the country's election to this strategic position, Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, presented the nation's key strengths to delegations from African Member States of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU).
The announcement took place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Abidjan - Port-Bouët during the opening ceremony of the 4th and final African Preparatory Meeting for the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference (APM26-4 / PP-26).
"Côte d'Ivoire has the honor of presenting its candidacy for the Council of the International Telecommunication Union for the 2027–2030 period," the Minister solemnly announced, adding: "This candidacy reflects our desire to put our experience, capabilities, and commitment at the service of collective African action."
According to the Minister, Côte d'Ivoire places its candidacy under the vision of a shared ambition: to strengthen Africa's standing in global digital governance and make the ATU an even stronger instrument for the continent's digital development. For further updates on technological and diplomatic progress, visit In Côte d'Ivoire.
Under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara, the government has turned digital transformation into a lever for modernizing the State, driving economic development, fostering innovation, and enhancing social inclusion. This vision aligns directly with the National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Technological Innovation has structured its 2026–2028 Digital Roadmap around seven pillars and forty projects. These include expanding connectivity and internet access; digitizing public administration for all; developing the technological innovation ecosystem; deploying a national Artificial Intelligence initiative dedicated to citizen well-being; strengthening cybersecurity and digital trust; building digital skills; and revitalizing e-commerce through the modernization of postal services in Côte d'Ivoire.
In addressing shared African challenges regarding cybersecurity, data protection, and digital trust, Côte d'Ivoire intends to play a catalytic role in boosting cooperation, sharing best practices, and building African response mechanisms against digital threats.
"I reaffirm Côte d'Ivoire's readiness to work alongside all ATU Member States and our regional and international partners to make this meeting a decisive milestone in our collective preparation, consolidate African positions, and strengthen our unity as we approach Doha," Minister Djibril Ouattara assured.
There are 18 candidate countries competing for 13 available seats on the ITU Council. The elections will take place during the World Telecommunication Conference in Doha, Qatar, from November 9 to 27, 2026. Read more Côte d'Ivoire news on our platform.