(Ecofin Agency) - The Ivorian government continues to implement its digital development strategy through 2025. With strategic investments, the country aims to strengthen its digital infrastructure and position its economy for a prosperous future.

The Ivorian telecom sector reported revenue of CFA1.219 trillion ($2.01 billion) in 2023, a significant rise of 29.68% from CFA940 billion in 2019. Guy-Michel Kouakou, head of Telecommunications Regulation at the Ivorian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), shared this at a press conference in Abidjan on October 29.

This growth stems from substantial investments, with CFA244.4 billion dedicated to telecom infrastructure development in 2023 alone. By March 31, 2024, these efforts had expanded fiber-optic networks to 30,240 kilometers, reaching 8,080 of the country’s 8,518 localities—achieving a coverage rate of 94.86%.

Mobile phone usage has surged, with a penetration rate of 181.1%, while internet access grew to 74% of households in 2023, up 21% from the previous year. Mobile phones are now in 99% of households, with 66% of individuals—or approximately 17.9 million people—owning one. However, some rural areas still face minor digital access challenges.

These investments are part of Côte d'Ivoire’s National Digital Development Strategy (2021-2025), which outlines 32 reforms and a total projected investment of CFA2 trillion. If fully implemented, the World Bank estimates this plan could generate over $5.5 billion by 2025 and surpass $20 billion by 2050.