Côte d'Ivoire advances AI sovereignty and data strategies

Côte d'Ivoire is advancing its digital sovereignty through targeted artificial intelligence initiatives and data management strategies. At the conclusion of the IMPACT IA 2026 summit, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation Djibril Ouattara emphasized the need for the nation to move beyond mere usage toward mastering and adapting AI to local administrative, economic, and linguistic needs.

Authorities have identified 77 specific use cases for AI across sectors including agriculture, health, education, and public administration. To support this transition from prototyping to production, the government has signed the National Alliance Pact for Artificial Intelligence with private sector representatives. Additionally, excellence scholarships have been awarded to students from INP-HB, ESATIC, and ISPA to study at Aivancity in France to build local expertise.

Complementing these state efforts, the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d'Ivoire (CGECI) held its 2026 Data Day to encourage businesses to adopt data-driven decision-making. The initiative aims to help companies implement internal data strategies and leverage AI to enhance competitiveness and performance.