Côte d’Ivoire Appoints New AI Leader as Digital Transformation Accelerates

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — Côte d’Ivoire is strengthening its focus on artificial intelligence after the Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation announced Bita Saran Diomandé’s appointment to help steer the country’s national AI agenda.

The appointment was announced on August 6, 2026, by Digital Transition Minister Djibril Ouattara, adding new leadership capacity to Côte d’Ivoire’s rapidly developing technology strategy.

Artificial intelligence is becoming a major priority for Côte d’Ivoire, with the government seeking to expand digital services, encourage innovation and develop technology capabilities that can support economic growth.

The country has also been advancing major digital infrastructure projects, including a sovereign data centre and government digitalisation initiatives, while new technology accelerator programs are being used to support startups and digital SMEs.

The new AI leadership role could help coordinate these efforts and give Côte d’Ivoire a clearer strategy for AI adoption. Key opportunities include public services, agriculture, financial technology, education and cybersecurity.

For Abidjan, the latest move highlights an increasingly ambitious goal: building a stronger domestic technology ecosystem while positioning Côte d’Ivoire as a regional digital and AI hub.