• Côte d’Ivoire appointed Djibril Ouattara as Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation on Jan. 23, 2026.

• Ouattara brings more than 20 years of telecom and ICT experience, including leadership roles at MTN and Canal+.

• The government expects faster progress on digital administration, broadband rollout, cybersecurity, and 5G preparation.

Djibril Ouattara is now Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation. The government appointed him on Friday, Jan. 23, as part of the Beugré Mambé II cabinet reshuffle. He succeeds Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, who had held the portfolio since October 2023.

A recognized figure in the telecom ecosystem, Ouattara brings more than two decades of experience in information and communication technologies. He previously led MTN Congo and later MTN Côte d’Ivoire, where he oversaw network modernization programs, digital infrastructure expansion, and service quality improvements in a highly competitive market.

His professional career also includes senior management roles at Canal+ Côte d’Ivoire and Etisalat Atlantique Togo, a West African telecommunications operator active in mobile, internet, and data services.

Trained at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute and holding an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management in the United States, Ouattara combines technical expertise, strategic management skills, and international exposure. This profile is expected to influence the execution of the state’s flagship digital projects.

As head of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Ouattara takes charge of several structural initiatives. Government priorities include accelerating the digitalization of public administration, improving the quality of digital public services, strengthening cybersecurity, and enhancing the protection of personal data.

The government also expects faster deployment of high-speed broadband infrastructure, preparation for the introduction of 5G, and expanded coverage in rural areas that remain poorly connected. Côte d’Ivoire already counts more than 58 million active mobile lines and reports an internet penetration rate exceeding 185%, according to official data.

The new minister will also need to structure an environment that supports local innovation. Authorities expect stronger support for startups, easier access to private investment, and expanded digital skills development for young people, as demand for technology talent continues to rise.

Djibril Ouattara’s appointment marks a new phase in Côte d’Ivoire’s digital governance. After a period focused on institutional structuring under his predecessor, the executive now seeks faster operational execution to convert digital ambitions into concrete, measurable, and sustainable results.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

 Adapted in English by Ange J.A. de BERRY QUENUM