The Brief, No. 68
15 September 2025
Internet connectivity remains the most challenging in most African countries. Cote d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalisation, a dedicated ministry established to bridge the digital divide and improve internet connectivity, is extending broadband to 30 rural towns in the country by end of September 2025. According to the government, this will help to expand access to education, health and trade.
President Alassane Ouattara has accelerated development in Cote d’Ivoire since taking office. There has been increased economic growth and infrastructural development in the country. Ouattara has turned the economy that has been sluggish for years into one of the most thriving in the region. Economic growth has been facilitated by large investment especially in oil/gas sector and expanded infrastructure. It is projected that the economy will grow by 7% between 2024-2027.
Cote D’Ivoire is set for presidential elections on the 25 October 2025. There are five candidates whose candidacy has been approved by the Constitutional Council. The incumbent President Alassane Ouattara seems set to win the next presidential elections. According to the Polymarket, an online prediction market platform, 92% of those polled predict Ouattara to win next elections.
Ouattara a former World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive has used his professional experience to turn the economy of Cote D’Ivoire around. Importantly, it has been his ability to beneficiate and improve the cocoa industry that has added to the economic successes of Cote D’Ivoire. Ouattara administration has promoted domestic grinding and chocolate production. Subsequently, Cote D’Ivoire has become the world’s to cocoa grinder, processing 40-50% of its beans locally.
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