Digital Use in Ivory Coast: Laws to Protect Users Collectively
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 6:45 am
The growing importance of digital technology, particularly the internet and social media, over the past decade is not without risks for users. According to Verified Market Research, the cybersecurity market in the Middle East and Africa, which was valued at USD 5.92 billion in 2018, is expected to reach USD 17.30 billion by 2026. In Côte d'Ivoire, in 2021, the cost of cybercrime was estimated at 6 billion FCFA, with 5,000 complaints received by the Cybercrime Fighting Platform. This represents a resolution rate of approximately 50%, although this ratio remains high. In addition to the financial impact of these attacks, there are negative consequences for iran mobile database confidence, the reputation of public and private sector organizations, and the privacy of citizens, hence the need for collective protection of users against these practices, which are increasing with digital technology.
To protect systems, data, and identities, the Ivorian government has adopted laws and regulations. At the Council of Ministers on December 22, 2021, it adopted a National Cybersecurity Strategy 2021-2025, which defines the main areas of focus, some of which focus on protecting cyberspace, strengthening digital trust, and international cooperation.
The Ministry of Communication and the Digital Economy also established, on August 3, 2022, a Directorate for Digital Trust and Cybersecurity to serve as a point of contact and national coordination for actions on this essential subject. The coming months will see the creation of the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI) and a National Security Operations Supervision Center (SOC), two instruments that will strengthen the national security system and enable Côte d'Ivoire to progress in its overall cybersecurity index at the international level.
Furthermore, the State of Côte d'Ivoire has ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and the African Union Convention, known as the Malabo Convention, on Cybersecurity and the Protection of Personal Data.
Various strategies were adopted in 2021 to create synergy around digital technology and coordinate various initiatives in this area. These are the National Digital Development Strategy 2021-2025, the National Innovation Strategy 2021-2025, and the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2021-2025. The government has further established a framework conducive to digital development with the creation of the National Digitalization Committee (CNDigit) by decree of the Prime Minister. The CNDigit is dedicated to the coordination, alignment, and monitoring and evaluation of digitalization initiatives in Côte d'Ivoire. It is placed under the authority of the Prime Minister. Its objective is to make digital transformation a lever for economic growth by implementing a roadmap defined based on the "Zero Paper" vision for Côte d'Ivoire by 2030.
Côte d'Ivoire is therefore vigilant in terms of digital use because it must protect its sovereignty and put in place a necessary framework for the protection of organizations, individuals and critical infrastructure.
To protect systems, data, and identities, the Ivorian government has adopted laws and regulations. At the Council of Ministers on December 22, 2021, it adopted a National Cybersecurity Strategy 2021-2025, which defines the main areas of focus, some of which focus on protecting cyberspace, strengthening digital trust, and international cooperation.
The Ministry of Communication and the Digital Economy also established, on August 3, 2022, a Directorate for Digital Trust and Cybersecurity to serve as a point of contact and national coordination for actions on this essential subject. The coming months will see the creation of the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI) and a National Security Operations Supervision Center (SOC), two instruments that will strengthen the national security system and enable Côte d'Ivoire to progress in its overall cybersecurity index at the international level.
Furthermore, the State of Côte d'Ivoire has ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and the African Union Convention, known as the Malabo Convention, on Cybersecurity and the Protection of Personal Data.
Various strategies were adopted in 2021 to create synergy around digital technology and coordinate various initiatives in this area. These are the National Digital Development Strategy 2021-2025, the National Innovation Strategy 2021-2025, and the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2021-2025. The government has further established a framework conducive to digital development with the creation of the National Digitalization Committee (CNDigit) by decree of the Prime Minister. The CNDigit is dedicated to the coordination, alignment, and monitoring and evaluation of digitalization initiatives in Côte d'Ivoire. It is placed under the authority of the Prime Minister. Its objective is to make digital transformation a lever for economic growth by implementing a roadmap defined based on the "Zero Paper" vision for Côte d'Ivoire by 2030.
Côte d'Ivoire is therefore vigilant in terms of digital use because it must protect its sovereignty and put in place a necessary framework for the protection of organizations, individuals and critical infrastructure.