Abidjan played host on Monday, August 25, 2025, to two significant gatherings: the 3rd African preparatory meeting for the World Telecom Development Conference 2025 (CMDT-25) and the 2nd edition of the regional workshop on the Universal Telecommunications Service Fund.
The African preparatory meeting, which drew representatives from more than 42 countries, aimed to serve as both a forum for dialogue and a strategic consultation platform for member states of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU).
The sessions come ahead of CMDT-25, scheduled to take place from November 17 to 28 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Speaking at the event, Olivier Avoa, Director of Digital Transition and Digitalization and President of the Organizing Committee, highlighted Africa’s digital challenges and potential.
“Nearly 500 million Africans use mobile internet, but more than 800 million of our citizens still remain on the margins of this digital revolution.
This reality illustrates the scale of our mission and underlines the decisive role of universal service funds,” he said.
With 70% of Africa’s population under 30, Mr Avoa described the continent’s youth as a powerful force for digital transformation. “We must invest in digital infrastructure, develop skills, stimulate innovation and, above all, ensure that every African, wherever they live, has access to quality and affordable universal services,” he added.
Lakoun Ouattara, Director General of Côte d’Ivoire’s Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), emphasised the importance of cooperation in shaping the continent’s digital future.
The initiative, he said, seeks to “reduce the digital bill, connect rural and remote areas, and promote innovative uses of technology in education, health, agriculture, culture and governance.”
Representing the Ivorian Minister of Digital Transition, Laurent Assoa reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to the regional process. “For several months, experts have been participating in technical work to contribute to the development of common African proposals, coordinate regional positions and prepare Africa’s unique path to this global conference,” he said.
The conference also aligned with the African Union’s broader efforts, including the 2020 African AI Strategy, which supports innovation and ensures the ethical use of technology.
Ivory coast’s 2024 national strategy for Artificial Intelligence was highlighted as a key step in fostering responsible AI adoption across education, health, agriculture and governance.
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