(Ecofin Agency) - Ivorian Minister of Digital Transition Kalil Konaté met with a delegation from the French Development Agency (AFD) on March 17 to discuss future collaboration on the country’s growing digital landscape. The meeting, led by Haye Adrien, AFD’s director in Abidjan, focused on key projects aimed at shaping the nation's digital future.

Main points include the development of digital infrastructure, the roll-out of a national strategy for data and artificial intelligence, and the strengthening of e-government initiatives like the Electronic Administration Strengthening Support Project (PARAE) and the National Rural Connectivity Program (PNCR). These initiatives could potentially gain backing from AFD, further bolstering the country’s digital transformation.

Minister Konaté proposed the creation of a joint working group between his ministry and AFD to dive deeper into these projects and define clear paths for collaboration. AFD beleives the rise of digital technology in the country presents numerous prospects for investment and collaboration. The agency is already involved in several development initiatives alongside other partners like the African Development Bank, but it is now seeking to expand its role in supporting Côte d'Ivoire’s digital push.

While these efforts hold promise for future funding and partnerships, challenges remain. The country still lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework for managing critical digital infrastructure, including data centers, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. However, the government has been working in recent months to strengthen these regulations and ensure that the digital ecosystem can grow securely and sustainably.