Universal Telecommunications Service in Africa: A Strategic Workshop on Digital Inclusion Held in Abidjan

Abidjan hosted the first large-scale regional workshop on November 28-29, 2024, dedicated to evaluating the effectiveness of Universal Service Funds (USF) for telecommunications.

In his opening speech, Narcisse Ékissi, representing the Minister of Digital Transition and Digital Transformation, emphasized that universal access to telecommunications is a crucial lever for achieving Africa's economic and social development goals.

Bamba Yacouba, Chairman of the Board of the National Agency for Universal Telecommunications Service (ANSUT), highlighted the importance of reducing digital inequalities while creating equal opportunities for all. He also praised the enlightened vision of President Alassane Ouattara, who has made Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) a central pillar of Côte d'Ivoire's economic development.

For Gilles Thierry Beugré, the Director General of ANSUT, “We have a collective responsibility to ensure effective digital inclusion for present and future generations. ANSUT will continue to play a leading role in this dynamic.”

The African Telecommunications Union (ATU), through its president, commended ANSUT's expertise and commitment to modernizing digital infrastructure. "ANSUT is a model for Africa. Its National Rural Connectivity Program is a reference to be followed by other nations," he stated.

With a total budget of 38 billion CFA francs, the program aims to connect 575 rural areas in Côte d'Ivoire. The first phase, amounting to 10 billion CFA francs, has already served 175 localities, directly impacting over 220,000 residents.