• Ivorian officials meet a Russian delegation to discuss digital cooperation.
• Talks focus on technopoles, AI integration, and public-service digitalization.
• A visit to VITIB aims to deepen potential collaboration on innovation projects.

As part of its digital transformation strategy, the Ivorian government aims to modernize public services and build a strong innovation ecosystem. Collaboration with experienced partners is seen as essential to accelerate these ambitions.

Raymond Assoua, chief of staff to the minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization, met on Monday, November 24, in Abidjan with a delegation from the Skolkovo Foundation led by Russia’s ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Alexey Saltykov. The meeting is part of a cooperation program designed to strengthen exchanges between Côte d’Ivoire and Russia in digital technology, innovation, and ecosystem development.

Discussions covered several strategic areas, including the development of technopoles, the integration of artificial intelligence in both public and private sectors, and the acceleration of administrative digitalization. The Russian delegation also presented Skolkovo’s expertise in building innovation ecosystems, a model that could support Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitions for tech-driven urban development.

During the meeting, concrete collaboration opportunities were identified between the Skolkovo Foundation and VITIB, the Ivorian technology park in Grand-Bassam. The director general of VITIB outlined existing infrastructure and ongoing projects, opening the door to future initiatives in start-up incubation, applied research, and sovereign digital solutions.

The visit comes one day after Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly approved a CFA83.27 billion (about $146 million) budget for 2026 to support the country’s digital transformation. The funding targets modernization of the postal sector, implementation of universal electronic communications service, and development of the digital economy.

The Skolkovo Foundation is one of Russia’s main innovation hubs, specializing in supporting tech start-ups, developing technopoles, and conducting AI-related research through its partnership with the Skoltech Institute. Its expertise could help Côte d’Ivoire with talent development and the rollout of pilot projects in innovation and digital services.

No formal agreement has been announced yet. However, the delegation will visit VITIB on November 25 to continue technical discussions and explore partnership opportunities.

Samira Njoya