Côte d’Ivoire has appointed Djibril Ouattara as the new Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, the government announced. The appointment comes as part of the Beugré Mambé II cabinet reshuffle and reflects the administration’s renewed focus on accelerating digital transformation across the country.
Ouattara succeeds Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, who held the portfolio since October 2023. The government has tasked the new minister with delivering faster and more measurable progress on strategic digital priorities, including the modernization of public administration, broadband expansion, cybersecurity, and the preparation for 5G deployment.
A veteran of the telecom and information technology sectors, Ouattara brings over 20 years of experience in the region. He previously led MTN Congo and MTN Côte d’Ivoire, overseeing network modernization initiatives, expansion of digital infrastructure, and improvements in service quality. He has also held senior management positions at Canal+ Côte d’Ivoire and Etisalat Atlantique Togo, gaining experience across mobile, internet, and data services in West Africa.
Ouattara’s educational background combines technical and managerial expertise. He trained at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute and holds an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management in the United States. Officials say his combination of technical know-how, strategic management skills, and international exposure positions him to execute Côte d’Ivoire’s flagship digital projects effectively.
Under Ouattara’s leadership, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation is expected to focus on several structural priorities. The government has highlighted accelerating the digitalization of public administration and improving the quality and accessibility of digital services as core objectives. Strengthening cybersecurity frameworks and protecting personal data also remain high on the agenda.
Broadband expansion and network modernization are central to the new minister’s mandate. Authorities aim to extend high-speed internet coverage, including rural and underserved areas, and prepare the country for the commercial rollout of 5G technology. Côte d’Ivoire currently has more than 58 million active mobile lines and an internet penetration rate exceeding 185 percent, according to official figures, reflecting the widespread use of multiple SIM cards per person and strong demand for digital services.
The government also expects Ouattara to cultivate an ecosystem that supports local innovation and entrepreneurship. This includes providing better support for tech startups, easing access to private investment, and expanding digital skills training for young people to meet the growing demand for technology talent.
Observers say Ouattara’s appointment signals a shift from the institution-building phase under his predecessor to an operational execution phase, with an emphasis on delivering tangible results and measurable outcomes. Authorities expect the ministry to implement policies and programs that not only expand infrastructure but also translate into increased access, productivity, and economic growth driven by technology.
“The appointment of Djibril Ouattara marks a new chapter in Côte d’Ivoire’s digital governance,” said a government official. “After laying the institutional foundations, the focus now is on converting ambition into action, ensuring that investments in digital infrastructure and skills translate into concrete benefits for citizens and businesses.”
Ouattara’s mandate comes at a time when the West African nation seeks to strengthen its position as a regional digital hub. By combining infrastructure expansion, regulatory support, and talent development, the government aims to harness technology as a driver of social and economic transformation.
The minister’s immediate priorities will likely include accelerating broadband rollout, advancing e-government initiatives, reinforcing cybersecurity frameworks, and fostering an environment conducive to digital entrepreneurship, with the broader goal of making Côte d’Ivoire a leader in digital innovation in West Africa.
