Côte d’Ivoire targets digital economy growth at African Digital Week 2026

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, has outlined the country's vision for leveraging emerging technologies to drive economic growth and digital transformation across the nation.

Speaking at the opening of the sixth edition of African Digital Week at the Sofitel Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, Ouattara emphasized the transformative potential of innovation and emerging technologies in shaping Africa’s future development.

The event, held under the theme “Emerging Technologies: Shaping the Africa of Tomorrow,” brought together government officials, private sector leaders, technology innovators and other stakeholders to discuss the role of digital technologies in accelerating socio-economic progress on the continent.

During his address, the minister presented Côte d’Ivoire’s national digital transformation roadmap, which is structured around seven strategic pillars and 40 priority projects designed to strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem.

He stated that the government’s objective is to position digital technology as a major engine of economic growth and increase the sector’s contribution to 15 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Ouattara highlighted the importance of collaboration among government institutions, private sector actors, academic institutions and technology ecosystem stakeholders in achieving the country's digital ambitions.

He noted that building a competitive digital economy requires coordinated efforts to foster innovation, develop digital skills, expand technological infrastructure and support entrepreneurship.

The minister called for greater collective action to accelerate digital transformation and unlock new opportunities for economic development, innovation and job creation.

African Digital Week is one of the continent’s leading technology and innovation forums, providing a platform for discussions on emerging technologies, digital policy, entrepreneurship and the future of Africa’s digital economy.