Silicon Valley leaders discuss Côte d’Ivoire’s digital transformation

The event, featuring site visits to Google, explored opportunities for public-private collaboration and tech investment in Côte d’Ivoire and West Africa.

In Silicon Valley, leaders from the US Chamber, African business communities, and the governments of the US and Côte d’Ivoire gathered to discuss Côte d’Ivoire’s digital transformation. The event, which included visits to Google’s headquarters, explored opportunities for public-private collaboration and tech investment in West Africa, aiming to bridge Africa’s digital divide and foster growth for US and Ivorian businesses.

The conference emphasised the potential for US businesses to expand into Côte d’Ivoire, increase exports, and invest in the country, showcasing digital tools to help understand Africa’s market landscapes. The Ivorian Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization’s National Digital Development Strategy 2021-2025, focusing on innovation and digital trust, was a central topic. Projects like Cybastion’s national data centre and smart city centre are key components of this strategy.

Prominent speakers included Dr Eugene Aka Aoule of Côte d’Ivoire, US Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba, and Google’s Charles Murito. They highlighted initiatives like Google’s Grow with Google Program, aiming to equip businesses with digital tools. The US-Africa Business Center Vice President, Dr Guevera Yao, led a Q&A on economic development through digital transformation.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Digital Acceleration Zero Paper 2030 plan aims to leverage $600 million in investments to enhance e-government services, digital infrastructure, and broadband access. This commitment to digital transformation is echoed across the continent, with significant digital deals recently signed at the US-Kenya Business Forum, reinforcing the ongoing support for Africa’s digital growth.