Category: Africa

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Seychelles: Government Shields Households from Fuel Cost Adjustment on First 400 kWh

Source: APO


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Cabinet has approved the implementation of the July 2026 Fuel Cost Adjustment, ensuring that no tariff increase will apply to the first 400 kWh of monthly electricity consumption for all domestic customers, Vice-President Sebatien Pillay announced at Thursday’s Cabinet press briefing.

The cost of the measure will instead be recovered through a modest increase on domestic consumption above 400 kWh, along with revised tariffs for commercial and Government consumers, in an approach designed to protect households while preserving the financial sustainability of the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC).

The Vice-President said Government had undertaken considerable work to assess domestic consumption patterns before arriving at the decision, stressing that households would not be made to suffer as the country continues to manage its electricity sector. Under the new structure, consumption up to 400 kWh will see no tariff increase at all, while usage beyond that threshold will attract an increase of between 25 and 29 cents. The adjustment will come into effect once Government has finalised the structures required for its implementation.

The Vice-President linked the measure to Government’s wider efforts to manage costs responsibly, pointing to savings already achieved through the earlier policy of closing Government offices at 2:30 p.m. daily. Commercial and Government consumers will also see their own revised tariffs, as part of a more equitable distribution of costs across all consumer categories.

Government has maintained that the primary objective of the adjustment is to shield the public from the impact of rising fuel costs.

“All that Government is doing here is to ensure that people do not feel the impact of the crisis,” the Vice-President said, adding that on this front, Government had achieved its objective.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Seychelles : Le Président Herminie effectuera une visite officielle à La Réunion

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président Dr Patrick Herminie effectuera une visite officielle à La Réunion du lundi 13 au mercredi 15 juillet 2026, sur invitation de la Préfecture, en qualité d’invité d’honneur aux célébrations de la fête nationale française.

Cette visite reflète la coopération de longue date entre les Seychelles et La Réunion, fondée sur des liens maritimes, culturels et économiques solides au sein de la région de l’océan Indien.

Au cours de son séjour, le Président Herminie prendra part à une série d’engagements officiels, notamment la cérémonie du 14 juillet, des entretiens bilatéraux avec les autorités régionales, ainsi que la signature d’un accord de coopération, en plus de plusieurs visites de courtoisie et de sites.

Distribué par APO Group pour State House Seychelles.

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Home Affairs Minister welcomes arrest of BMA official

Source: Government of South Africa

Home Affairs Minister welcomes arrest of BMA official

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber has welcomed the arrest of a Border Management Authority (BMA) official who allegedly accepted money to unlawfully endorse the passport of a Lesotho national at the Maseru Port of Entry last month.

“The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has welcomed the arrest of a Border Management Authority official as part of the ongoing campaign to root out corruption across the Home Affairs ecosystem and strengthen the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system,” the Department of Home Affairs said on Friday.

The official was arrested on Thursday, 9 July 2026, following a joint investigation by the Department of Home Affairs’ Counter Corruption branch, the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence division, and the Ladybrand Detectives.

The official is alleged to have accepted a payment of R600 to unlawfully endorse the passport of a Lesotho national at the Maseru Port of Entry on 29 June 2026, despite the individual not presenting herself at the immigration counter as required by law.

The alleged offence came to light after the Lesotho national was arrested by the South African Police Service in an unrelated matter. During the subsequent investigation, information emerged that a payment had allegedly been made through intermediaries to facilitate the unlawful endorsement of her passport. 

This led investigators to identify the BMA officer allegedly responsible for the fraudulent immigration stamp.

The accused has been charged with corruption and is expected to appear in the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court on Monday,13 July 2026.

“Every corrupt official who undermines the integrity of South Africa’s border management system must know that the net is closing in. We are working relentlessly across the Home Affairs ecosystem with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who abuse the public’s trust are identified, arrested and prosecuted,” the Minister said.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests may follow. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Triple murder suspect arrested in Johannesburg

Source: Government of South Africa

Triple murder suspect arrested in Johannesburg

The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Friday confirmed the arrest of murder suspect, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who is wanted for the murder of his wife and two daughters in the United Kingdom.

“The South African Police Service has arrested Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma in Kensington, Johannesburg, following an intensive operation involving the SAPS Interpol National Central Bureau, Crime Intelligence and the Organised Crime Investigation Unit.

“Tshuma is wanted by authorities in the United Kingdom in connection with the murder of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42), and their two daughters, Natalie (15) and Nala (5), whose bodies were discovered at their home near Bedford,” the police said in a statement.

The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended officers involved in the operation for their swift and coordinated response.

“This arrest demonstrates that South Africa is not a safe haven for fugitives. Anyone who believes they can evade justice by fleeing to our country should know that SAPS will work tirelessly with international law enforcement partners to trace, locate and arrest them,” Lieutenant General Dimpane said.

The suspect is expected to appear in court on Monday. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa reaffirms commitment to strengthening relations with France 

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa reaffirms commitment to strengthening relations with France 

South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with France, with growing cooperation in investment, science and technology, and cultural diplomacy, among others.

“France is a key strategic partner for South Africa, and we enjoy longstanding bilateral cooperation spanning trade and investment, energy, defence, education, people-to-people exchange and other fields,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

President Ramaphosa, who is on an Official Visit to France from 10-12 July, said the economic relationship between South Africa and France is growing from strength to strength, and that the 6th South Africa Investment Conference held in Johannesburg in March saw a strong showing by French companies.

“This is a premier event for showcasing the opportunities for domestic and international investors in the South African economy, aligned with our national investment drive. This year, thirty French companies pledged approximately EUR 1,11 billion (ZAR 20,7 billion) in investments across a range of key economic sectors.”

This, said President Ramaphosa, demonstrates the increasing confidence French businesses have in the South African economy and its future growth prospects.
“As we embark on the largest mass infrastructure build in our country’s history, we look forward to participation by French firms in this as well as other sectors.”

President Ramaphosa has also been briefed on several agreements that are currently under negotiation, including an Agreement on Transport Related Matters; on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy; and a Draft Declaration of Intent on Mobility.

In addition, South Africa and France continue to collaborate in the fields of science, technology and innovation, said the President while also congratulating France on becoming a full member of the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO), making it the 14th Member State of the intergovernmental organisation.

“I am told that the recently held Joint Committee Meeting on science, technology and innovation was a productive one. The priority focus areas for cooperation include Artificial Intelligence (AI), oceans and marine sciences, and soil health and water.
“We welcome this ongoing cooperation in pursuit of innovation-led growth and environmental sustainability.”

Defence dialogue and cultural diplomacy
On cooperation in the defence space, the two countries have agreed to convene the long overdue 13th Defence Strategic Dialogue to take stock of implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation and to explore additional areas of cooperation.

It is expected that the Strategic Dialogue will take place in South Africa in October this year.

“France and South Africa continue to advance cultural diplomacy between our two countries to develop our respective creative industries. This relationship has a key role to play in harnessing the potential of the sector to support growth, transformation, social cohesion and job creation.”

Multilateralism
On multilateralism, President Ramaphosa said the world is confronting multiple, complex and interconnected challenges including trade tensions, wars, pandemics, poverty and unemployment that threaten to undermine the quest to achieve a more peaceful, egalitarian and sustainable world.

“Multilateralism is the most effective means for addressing these collective global challenges. No country can resolve these issues in isolation. The current global environment requires stronger partnerships, collective action, and a renewed commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, the President co-chaired the Leaders Group meeting of the High-Level Steering Committee on Education alongside the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Professor Khaled El-Enany, and attended the Transforming Education Summit +4. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Call for action to achieve SDG4

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for action to achieve SDG4

Education leaders have called for action to accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), warning that the world remains off track to meet the 2030 target of ensuring quality education for all.

“[The SDG 4 High-Level Steering Committee] recognises with concern that despite progress, the world remains off track to achieve SDG 4 by 2030, with persistent inequalities, recurrent shocks and a substantial education financing shortfall threatening the right to quality education for all,” the Committee said.

This as President Cyril Ramaphosa called for greater global investment in education, warning that quality learning must never become a privilege reserved for a few, as world leaders met in Paris to accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

Addressing the SDG 4 High-Level Steering Committee (HLSC) Leaders Group Meeting at UNESCO Headquarters in France on Friday, President Ramaphosa said education remains the foundation for achieving all other Sustainable Development Goals and is essential to building resilient and sustainable societies.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the HLSC is the apex body for global education cooperation. It is the global multi-stakeholder consultation and coordination mechanism for education in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The committee underscored the need to accelerate education system transformation and also reaffirmed its focus on education system resilience through support for the teaching profession, foundational and lifelong learning, and inclusive digital transformation, with equity and inclusion serving as guiding principles and sustainable financing forming the foundation of resilient education systems.

The committee called on Member States and partners to actively support and participate in global and regional initiatives aimed at advancing these priorities.

To sustain momentum, the committee requested UNESCO to convene and lead preparations for the 2027 Global Education Meeting (GEM), in consultation with the HLSC Sherpa Group.

According to the committee, the 2027 Global Education Meeting should serve as a key milestone to assess progress towards SDG 4 using evidence, data and monitoring results, maintain political momentum ahead of the 2027 High-Level Political Forum and SDG Summit, and contribute to consultations on the post-2030 global education agenda.
The committee also endorsed the Sustainable Financing Pathways as the operational framework for advancing sustainable financing for education.

It called on Member States and partners to align behind country-led and integrated financing pathways based on national priorities and macro-fiscal realities, while promoting greater coordination among financing instruments and development partners to reduce fragmentation, improve impact and strengthen long-term fiscal sustainability. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Opening remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the French Republic

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic,
Honourable Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Senior Officials,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening.

Allow me to begin by thanking you, Your Excellency, President Macron, for receiving us and for the generous hospitality to our delegation.

Earlier today I co-chaired the Leaders Group meeting of the High-Level Steering Committee on Education alongside the Director-General of UNESCO; and attended the Transforming Education Summit +4.

These engagements were productive and outcomes oriented; and South Africa is honoured to be part of shaping the future of global education that really is the bedrock upon which the entire Agenda 2030 rests.

France is a key strategic partner for South Africa, and we enjoy longstanding bilateral cooperation spanning trade and investment, energy, defence, education, people-to-people exchange and other fields.

Today’s engagement is a welcome opportunity to exchange views on global developments of mutual interest, as well as to review our progress in advancing our bilateral priorities. 

The South Africa–France Forum for Political Dialogue has played a key role in this regard.

Following your state visit to South Africa in 2021, Mr. President, the Forum was elevated to a Joint Ministerial Commission. (JMC). I am pleased that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed today by our respective Foreign Ministers. This step affirms our shared commitment to deepening our bilateral cooperation.

The economic relationship between South Africa and France is growing from strength to strength.

In March this year we held a successful 6th South Africa Investment Conference in Johannesburg where there was a strong showing by French companies.

This is a premier event for showcasing the opportunities for domestic and international investors in the South African economy, aligned with our national investment drive. This year, thirty French companies pledged approximately EUR 1,11 billion (ZAR 20,7 billion) in investments across a range of key economic sectors.

This demonstrates the increasing confidence French business has in our economy and future growth prospects. As we embark on the largest mass infrastructure build in our country’s history, we look forward to participation by French firms in this as well as other sectors.

Further to deepening cooperation, I have been briefed by our officials that several agreements are currently under negotiation, including an Agreement on Transport Related Matters; on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy; and a Draft Declaration of Intent on Mobility.

Our two countries continue to collaborate in the fields of Science, Technology and Innovation. Allow me to congratulate France for becoming a full member of the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO), making it the 14th Member State of the intergovernmental organization.

I am told that the recently held Joint Committee Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation was a productive one. The priority focus areas for cooperation include Artificial Intelligence (AI), oceans and Marine Sciences, and soil health and water.

We welcome this ongoing cooperation in pursuit of innovation-led growth and environmental sustainability.

With respect to bilateral defence cooperation, both sides have agreed to convene the long overdue 13th Defence Strategic Dialogue to take stock of implementation of the MoU on Defence Cooperation, and to explore additional areas of cooperation. It is expected that the Strategic Dialogue will take place in South Africa in October this year.

France and South Africa continue to advance cultural diplomacy between our two countries to develop our respective creative industries. This relationship has a key role to play in harnessing the potential of the sector to support growth, transformation, social cohesion and job creation.

Your Excellency, President Macron,

At a time of significant geopolitical and economic shifts, we are confronting multiple, complex and interconnected challenges.

Conflicts and wars, trade tensions, climate impacts, pandemics, poverty and unemployment, and inequality within and between nations – threaten to undermine our quest to achieve a more peaceful, egalitarian and sustainable world.

Multilateralism is the most effective means for addressing these collective global challenges.

No country can resolve these issues in isolation. The current global environment requires stronger partnerships, collective action, and a renewed commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

Allow me to take this opportunity to thank France for your support of our G20 Presidency convened under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.’ It remains critical that the actions contained in the historic Leaders Declaration are taken forward in both letter and spirit.

Lastly, your Excellency,

This coming Sunday I will be presiding over the commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood at the Memorial in Longueval.

South Africa wishes to thank the French government and the people of France for its ongoing support in maintaining the Memorial.

The commemoration of Delville Wood is a reminder that even in an era shaped by new global challenges, the values for which so many sacrificed—peace, freedom, human dignity and equality—remain the enduring foundations of our shared humanity.

Our common destiny lies in working together to uphold these universal ideals for the benefit of present and future generations.

Your Excellency, with these words I thank you once again for welcoming us and I look forward to our engagement.
 

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Des bœufs pour renforcer la cohésion sociale à Niem-Yelewa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


40 éleveurs de la commune rurale d’élevage de Niem-Yelewa, située à environ 90 kilomètres de Bouar, dans la préfecture de la Nana-Mambere, ont reçu 24 bœufs remis par la MINUSCA, après avoir suivi une formation en élevage dans le cadre du Programme de réduction de la violence communautaire (CVR). La cérémonie a rassemblé les autorités administratives, locales et traditionnelles, les services techniques de l’élevage ainsi que les habitants des localités de Niem et de Yelewa.

Cette remise de bétail constitue l’aboutissement d’un processus de renforcement des capacités qui a permis aux bénéficiaires d’acquérir des compétences en alimentation animale, santé du cheptel, reproduction et gestion d’un élevage. L’objectif est de leur offrir des moyens de subsistance durables, de renforcer leur autonomie économique et de contribuer à la consolidation de la paix au sein de leur communauté.

Représentant le Sous-préfet de Bouar, le Secrétaire général de la sous-préfecture, Téléfore Kazama, a salué cette initiative de la MINUSCA en faveur du développement local. « Cette initiative apporte une réponse concrète aux besoins des populations. En donnant aux bénéficiaires les moyens de développer une activité génératrice de revenus, la MINUSCA contribue au renforcement de la stabilité et au développement de notre préfecture », a-t-il déclaré, avant d’exhorter les bénéficiaires à préserver ce cheptel et à ne pas le vendre.

Prenant la parole au nom de la Cheffe du Bureau régional de la MINUSCA pour la région de l’Équateur, Dramane Darave, Chargé de l’information publique à la MINUSCA, a rappelé que le Programme de réduction de la violence communautaire constitue un instrument majeur de la stratégie de stabilisation de la Mission. « Le Programme est conçu pour compléter le Programme national de Désarmement, Démobilisation, Réintégration et Rapatriement. Il offre aux communautés des alternatives durables à la violence en créant des opportunités économiques, en renforçant leur résilience et en favorisant la cohésion sociale », a-t-il souligné.

Il a ajouté que cette remise de bétail représente bien plus qu’un simple appui matériel. « Ces bœufs constituent un investissement dans votre avenir. Nous vous invitons à mettre en pratique les connaissances acquises durant votre formation, à développer vos élevages avec responsabilité et à faire de cette activité une source durable de revenus pour vos familles », a-t-il conseillé.

Les bénéficiaires ont exprimé leur satisfaction et leur détermination à faire de cette initiative un succès.

Pour Adamou Awalou, bénéficiaire, cette dotation représente une véritable opportunité de transformer les conditions de vie des ménages. « Nous allons prendre soin de ces bœufs, suivre leur reproduction et leur productivité pendant les deux à trois prochaines années, puis évaluer les bénéfices obtenus afin de partager les résultats avec la communauté et de décider ensemble des meilleures perspectives de développement de l’élevage », a-t-il expliqué.

Le président de la jeunesse de Niem, Amid Salh, a, pour sa part, appelé les bénéficiaires à gérer ce patrimoine avec responsabilité. « Nous encourageons les bénéficiaires à protéger ce cheptel et à en faire bon usage afin que cette expérience soit une réussite et qu’elle permette à d’autres membres de la communauté de bénéficier de telles opportunités à l’avenir », a-t-il déclaré.

Le responsable local du service de l’élevage, Abdou Atikou, a insisté, quant à lui, sur l’importance d’une gestion rigoureuse du cheptel afin d’assurer la pérennité du projet.

« Les bénéficiaires doivent privilégier la reproduction plutôt que la vente immédiate des animaux. Un suivi vétérinaire régulier, une bonne alimentation et un plan de reproduction adapté permettront de développer progressivement le cheptel. Il est également important de poursuivre les formations pratiques au profit des jeunes et des femmes sur les bonnes pratiques d’élevage », a-t-il recommandé.

À travers le Programme de réduction de la violence communautaire, la MINUSCA poursuit son appui aux autorités centrafricaines dans leurs efforts de consolidation de la paix. En favorisant la réinsertion socio-économique, la création de moyens de subsistance durables et le renforcement de la cohésion sociale, ce programme contribue à réduire les facteurs de vulnérabilité et à promouvoir une paix durable au sein des communautés.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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Ethiopia Intensifies Polio Prevention in Cross-Border and Refugee Communities

Source: APO


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Ethiopia conducted a synchronized polio vaccination campaign with South Sudan using the bivalent Oral Polio vaccine (bOPV) and reached over one million children under five years in high-risk border areas and refugee camps, as part of urgent efforts to prevent cross-border transmission of the variant polio virus from neighboring South Sudan. The vaccination campaign, implemented from 7 to 10 May 2026, covered Gambella and Benishangul-Gumuz regions as well as West Wollega and Kelem Wollega zones of Oromia Region.

The intervention followed the detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) in South Sudan in March and April 2026, including cases identified close to the Ethiopian border, heightening the risk of importation to Ethiopian communities. Given the porous borders and frequent population movements between the two countries, particularly among traders, pastoralists, and refugee populations, the health authorities moved swiftly to reinforce interventions to prevent further spread. Currently, five variant polioviruses (cVDPV1) have been reported from Gambella from children in refugee camps in Ethiopia from South Sudan.

At the official launch of the campaign in Gambella, the WHO Ethiopia Representative, Professor Francis Kasolo, in a message delivered by Dr Fadinding Manneh, WHO GPEI Coordinator, underscored that the campaign was a proactive preventive measure designed to protect children. He highlighted that Gambella’s unique context—marked by mobility, diversity, and strong cross-border ties—requires heightened vigilance and coordinated action. He highlighted that the vaccination campaign represented a critical opportunity to safeguard children in border communities and refugee settlements.

Dr Abel Assefa, the Gambella Regional Health Bureau Head emphasized the urgency of the vaccination campaign, stating: “This synchronized effort is essential to protect our children, especially those in border and refugee communities who are most at risk. Through collaboration with partners and neighboring countries, we are committed to reaching every child and preventing the importation and spread of the variant poliovirus.”

The vaccination campaign was conducted in close coordination with South Sudan to ensure synchronized implementation on both sides of the border, creating substantial effect to interrupt virus transmission. Preparations included detailed microplanning, mapping of migration routes and crossing points, and alignment of operational strategies between the two countries, supported by WHO, UNICEF, Public Health institutions and other partners. Special deployment approaches were designed to reach mobile and hard-to-access populations, including those in riverine areas and densely populated settlements, ensuring that all eligible children were reached regardless of location or legal status. 

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute, working with WHO, UNICEF, and Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners, mobilized resources from the Gates Foundation, secured vaccine supplies, and strengthened logistics systems to support effective vaccination campaign delivery. Based on available preliminary data, a total of 1,026,885 children (coverage 101%) received the bOPV during this vaccination campaign in the targeted areas.

WHO has played a programmatic leadership role in supporting the vaccination campaign implementation, providing financial support for operational costs, technical expertise for the planning, training, supervision, and monitoring. This included skills strengthening for vaccinators and supervisors, cold chain assessments to maintain vaccine potency at the last mile, and real-time monitoring to improve performance and accountability. The support also included enhancing surveillance systems, particularly for acute flaccid paralysis cases, a key indicator for detecting poliovirus transmission. Health facilities, community informants, and frontline workers were urged to remain vigilant and report suspected cases promptly. In addition, other essential health services were integrated with the bOPV vaccination campaign including identification and linkage for zero dose and under vaccinated children for routine immunization, identification and referral of obstetric fistula and referral for management, and identification and referral of club foot and referral for management, and screening for tuberculosis.

The vaccination campaign reflected Ethiopia’s continued commitment to the global goal of polio eradication and the protection of vulnerable populations. By acting early and in coordination with neighboring countries, Ethiopia aims to prevent the importation and spread of poliovirus, strengthen resilience in high-risk areas, and preserve the significant progress made toward a polio-free world. Authorities have reaffirmed their determination to reach every child and to sustain efforts beyond this initial round through strengthened routine immunization, enhanced surveillance, and continued cross-border collaboration.

The implementation of this synchronized polio vaccination campaign was successful. Gates Foundation’s continued commitment to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has been instrumental in enabling timely resource, strengthening operational capacity, and ensuring that life-saving vaccines reach children in high-risk, underserved, and mobile populations timely. This support has significantly contributed to Ethiopia’s efforts to prevent and control of poliovirus protecting vulnerable communities, especially those in border areas and refugee settings. 

Protecting children from polio is not only a national priority but also a shared regional and global responsibility.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

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PND 2026-2030 : Le ministre Djibril Ouattara présente aux investisseurs la stratégie numérique visant à porter à 15 % la contribution du secteur au PIB

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le ministre de la Transition numérique et de l’Innovation technologique, Djibril Ouattara, a présenté, le jeudi 09 juillet 2026 à Abidjan Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, les grandes orientations de la stratégie nationale de développement du numérique dans le cadre du Plan national de Développement (PND) 2026-2030, avec l’ambition de faire passer la contribution du secteur à la création de richesse entre 12 et 15 % à l’horizon 2030. La contribution se situant actuellement dans une fourchette comprise entre 6 et 8 %.

Il intervenait au panel consacré au ‘’Renforcement des infrastructures de soutien à la croissance de l’économie ivoirienne’’, lors de la seconde journée du Groupe consultatif pour le financement du PND 2026-2030, dédiée aux investisseurs.

A l’occasion, Djibril Ouattara a annoncé que le gouvernement travaille à la mise en place d’un cadre de développement des infrastructures numériques publiques, reposant sur des mécanismes innovants de financement associant davantage le secteur privé, afin d’accompagner la réalisation des grands projets structurants du PND 2026-2030.

Pour lui, le développement du commerce électronique, à travers la Poste de Côte d’Ivoire, les télécommunications par satellite, l’accès universel aux services numériques, le développement d’infrastructures liées à l’Intelligence artificielle sont autant de niches d’opportunités pour les investisseurs nationaux et internationaux.

Parlant de la stratégie nationale, il a dit qu’elle est articulée autour de sept piliers, à savoir le renforcement de la connectivité, la transformation numérique de l’administration, le développement de l’innovation technologique, l’adoption de l’intelligence artificielle, le renforcement des compétences numériques, la promotion du commerce électronique ainsi que le développement de la cybersécurité et de la confiance numérique.

Aux investisseurs, il a expliqué que cette stratégie vise, notamment, à étendre la couverture numérique à l’ensemble du territoire, connecter les zones industrielles en fibre optique, moderniser les services publics, former les populations aux métiers du numérique et faire de la Côte d’Ivoire un hub régional de l’innovation.

Selon le ministre, le numérique est désormais considéré comme une infrastructure de base, au même titre que l’énergie, l’eau, l’assainissement ou les transports, conformément à la vision du Président de la République, Alassane Ouattara.

« Les services numériques doivent aujourd’hui être considérés comme des services essentiels que nous devons offrir aussi bien à nos concitoyens qu’aux acteurs économiques afin de renforcer la compétitivité et soutenir la croissance », a-t-il soutenu.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.