Africa's digital economy is poised to reach a staggering $712 billion by 2050, accounting for 8.5% of the continent's GDP. This prospect justifies the implementation of digital transformation initiatives across Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire which is accelerating its process. 

Côte d'Ivoire and the United States are joining forces to foster the growth of the digital economy in both countries. US Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire Jessica Davis Ba (photo, left) met with Ivorian Minister of Digital Transition and Digitization Kalil Konaté (photo, right) on Thursday, November 23, to discuss this collaboration.

During their meeting, Ambassador Davis Ba reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting the Ivorian government in implementing various digital projects. "We are delighted to assist Côte d'Ivoire in building a digital infrastructure that can create jobs for young people and establish Côte d'Ivoire as a model of technological innovation in the minds of Americans," stated the ambassador.

Côte d'Ivoire aspires to become a technology hub, mirroring the aspirations of several African countries, where digital technology serves as a cross-cutting sector driving economic dynamism and job creation. To achieve this goal, the government is collaborating with countries that share similar ambitions for the sector.

The United States was a natural choice given its long-standing position as one of the top five most technologically advanced nations. According to recent trade data released by the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis, the digital economy's share of US GDP increased from 11% in 2005 to 19% in 2022, and digital services exports accounted for 2.5% of GDP last year.

Côte d'Ivoire hopes to gain from the United States' experience to boost its digital economy, which currently contributes around 3% of GDP. The collaboration also aims to provide support for the development of digital infrastructure and services, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship, among other areas.

Samira Njoya