Côte d’Ivoire and United States explore expanded digital cooperation

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara has held talks with a delegation from the United States Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire led by Junaid Munir to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation in digital innovation and technology investment.

The meeting, which included U.S. representatives Samantha Jordan and Melissa McInnis, focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration in areas such as digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and strategic technology projects. The U.S. delegation reaffirmed its commitment to building a mutually beneficial partnership with Côte d’Ivoire to support high-impact initiatives within the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Discussions covered progress on the potential deployment of Starlink satellite services to enhance connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The meeting also reviewed prospects for establishing direct flights between Abidjan and the United States following Côte d’Ivoire’s attainment of Category 1 aviation safety certification.

Officials further examined support for major national initiatives including the Digital City Côte d’Ivoire project, designed to stimulate innovation, strengthen the technology ecosystem, and create employment opportunities for young people.

Ouattara emphasized the importance of satellite technologies in expanding digital connectivity across the country and highlighted the government’s objective of attracting major international technology companies to position Côte d’Ivoire as a digital hub in West Africa. The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and accelerate the country’s digital transformation.