Situated in Western Africa, Côte d’Ivoire stands as a lower-middle income country, but its digital strides are…. noteworthy. In 2022, it made significant progress by ascending to the high EGDI group, surpassing the continental average and positioning itself as one of the “top of the class” group in digital development within Africa.
The latest UN e-government survey paints a promising picture of progress, with e-Côte d’Ivoire demonstrating significant advancements in both e-government and e-participation rankings. Over a span of just two years, the nation has ascended by 19 places in e-government ranking and an impressive 32 places in e-participation ranking.
However, while its e-government initiatives have seen remarkable advancements, there’s still(always) room for improvement.
2021-2025 digital development strategy
Let’s dissect for a bit the digital development strategy of Côte d’Ivoire for the period 2021-2025 and explore its implications.
The government of e-d’Ivoire acknowledged the importance of strong digital infrastructure, and that’s why it adopted back in 2021, the National Digital Development Strategy (NDDS) 2021-2025 (S Stratégie Numérique de la Côte d’Ivoire à l’horizon 2025, SNCI 2025), the new National Cybersecurity Strategy 2025 (Stratégie Nationale de Cybersécurité), and the National Innovation Strategy 2025 (Stratégie Nationale d’Innovation.)
These are the foundations for the public sector’s reform agenda, which aims to deploy a digital infrastructure network that allows affordable, inclusive, and high-quality access to digital services for all.
Also, the ambitious 2024 projects outlined in such strategies encompass several key areas of digital advancement. Firstly, the deployment of over 5,000 kilometers of optical fiber signifies a significant infrastructure investment aimed at expanding broadband connectivity across the country. (Essential for supporting various digital initiatives and facilitating access to digital services for citizens and businesses alike.)
Also, the focus on increasing 4G coverage is crucial for ensuring widespread access to high-speed internet… which is essential for supporting emerging technologies and digital applications.
In terms of investment, Côte d’Ivoire is putting its money where its mouth is, with CFA55.6 billion (around $90.31 million – correct me if I’m wrong) earmarked for digital development initiatives.
Looking ahead… the projections from the World Bank paint a promising picture for the future of Côte d’Ivoire’s digital economy. With the right investments and policies in place, the digital economy is set to contribute significantly to the country’s GDP, with estimates reaching over $5.5 billion by 2025 and a staggering $20 billion by 2050.
The state of e-Côte d’Ivoire in 2024
The fact that there were 11.23 million internet users in Côte d’Ivoire at the start of 2024 highlights the growing importance of digital connectivity in the country. Internet penetration standing at 38.4% signifies a considerable portion of the population accessing online resources and services. But it’s still not enough.
Moreover, with 43.59 million cellular mobile connections active in Côte d’Ivoire in early 2024, equivalent to 149.1% of the total population, it’s evident that mobile technology plays a crucial role in facilitating digital access. Mobile devices serve as primary gateways to the internet for many Ivorians.. making mobile-friendly e-government platforms essential for ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
The increase in internet users by 278 thousand (+2.5%) between January 2023 and January 2024 reflects a positive trend towards greater digital adoption and engagement.
As more people gain access to the internet, the potential reach and impact of e-government services expand, enabling the government to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and promote transparency.
However, despite these advancements, the fact that 61.6% of the population remained offline at the beginning of 2024 shows the persistent digital divide in the country. This gap in digital access highlights the need for targeted interventions to bridge the divide and ensure that all citizens can benefit from e-government initiatives.
Initiatives aimed at increasing internet penetration, enhancing digital literacy, and addressing affordability barriers are essential for promoting digital inclusion and democratizing access to government services.
Final remarks
In conclusion, e-Côte d’Ivoire’s ascent to the high EGDI group signifies a significant milestone in its digital journey. What I’d like to add here is that e-Côte d’Ivoire is a shining example of what’s possible with the right mix of determination, investment, and strategic planning in digital governance. They’re proving that even countries with modest incomes can make big waves when it comes to digital governance.
Sources:
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/41-Cte-dIvoire
