Côte d’Ivoire Minister urges youth to embrace strategic thinking ahead of Huawei ICT global finals

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister for Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, has encouraged young ICT talents to adopt strategic thinking as they prepare to represent the country at the global stage of the Huawei ICT Competition 2026 in Shenzhen, China.

Speaking to students from INP-HB, ESATIC, and IIT who qualified for the world finals, the minister emphasized the importance of long-term vision and structured planning in shaping successful careers and national development outcomes.

Ouattara praised the students for their achievement and expressed confidence in their ability to represent Côte d’Ivoire with distinction at the international competition. He noted that while academic qualifications provide career opportunities, vision and strategy are key drivers of national transformation.

The minister outlined the country’s national digital transformation agenda, which focuses on developing sovereign digital infrastructure, expanding internet access, scaling up training in digital professions, and supporting the international growth of Ivorian startups.

He stressed that Côte d’Ivoire’s digital ambitions rely heavily on local talent capable of creating, innovating, and delivering home-grown technological solutions to compete globally.

The engagement forms part of broader government efforts to strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem and position Côte d’Ivoire as a competitive player in the global technology landscape.