What's Happening?
Côte d’Ivoire is actively promoting its candidacy for a seat on the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, representing Region D (Africa), for the 2027–2030 term. This bid comes ahead of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled for November
2026 in Doha, Qatar, where elections will take place. The Ivorian government, through its Permanent Mission in Geneva, has formally informed ITU member states of its intention to return to the Council and is seeking support from African and other member states. Côte d’Ivoire joined the ITU in 1960 and has previously served two terms on the Council, from 1999 to 2002 and again from 2019 to 2022. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin has acknowledged Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing engagement with the Union, citing the country's digital transformation as a significant example of progress. The nation has been developing a dynamic digital ecosystem, supported by national strategies that encompass artificial intelligence, data governance, cybersecurity, and rural connectivity.
Why It's Important?
Côte d’Ivoire's bid for an ITU Council seat is important as it signifies the country's ambition to deepen its influence in global telecommunications and digital policy. Its re-entry into the Council would provide a credible and committed African voice in discussions concerning the development of telecommunications and digital technologies worldwide. The country's substantial investment of over $446 million in its digital ecosystem in 2024, coupled with more than 58 million mobile subscriptions, demonstrates its commitment to digital advancement. This engagement is crucial for shaping international standards and policies that affect digital infrastructure, connectivity, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. A seat on the Council would allow Côte d’Ivoire to advocate for African digital development priorities, potentially influencing resource allocation and strategic initiatives that could benefit the entire continent. Furthermore, its active participation in the ITU's work, including hosting the launch of the African broadband mapping initiative, underscores its role in fostering digital inclusion and economic growth across West Africa through its mobile money market.
What's Next?
The immediate next step for Côte d’Ivoire is to continue campaigning and garnering support from ITU member states leading up to the elections at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar, in November 2026. Should Côte d’Ivoire secure a seat, it will actively participate in the ITU Council's work for the 2027–2030 term, contributing to the Union's strategic direction and policy-making. This will involve engaging in discussions on critical issues such as artificial intelligence, data governance, cybersecurity, and rural connectivity, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of African nations are represented. The country's renewed presence on the Council would also likely lead to increased collaboration with other member states on digital transformation initiatives and the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) outcomes across Africa. The outcome of the election will determine Côte d’Ivoire's formal role in shaping global telecommunications and digital policy for the upcoming term.
Beyond the Headlines
Côte d’Ivoire's pursuit of an ITU Council seat reflects a broader trend of African nations seeking greater representation and influence in international digital governance. This move highlights the growing recognition of digital development as a cornerstone of national and regional progress. By positioning itself as a model of digital development in Africa, Côte d’Ivoire is not only advocating for its own interests but also aiming to provide a collective voice for the continent's digital aspirations. This engagement can foster a more equitable global digital landscape, ensuring that policies and standards are inclusive of diverse developmental contexts. The emphasis on national strategies covering AI, data governance, cybersecurity, and rural connectivity also points to a comprehensive approach to digital transformation that addresses both technological advancement and societal impact. Success in securing this seat could empower Côte d’Ivoire to champion initiatives that bridge the digital divide, promote financial inclusion, and enhance cybersecurity resilience across Africa, thereby contributing to sustainable development goals.
