Côte d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is located on the West African coast and is a country with diverse topography that ranges from coastal plains in its southern region to mountain ranges in the west. The country's population is highly concentrated in urban areas like Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, with a significant portion still residing in rural regions. This urban-rural divide and geographical diversity present unique challenges for the implementation of telecommunications and technology infrastructure. Historically, the country has relied on satellite and mobile networks to overcome these challenges. Côte d'Ivoire's government has also embarked on a digital transformation strategy, focusing on improving digital services, cyber security and digital literacy. In terms of renewable energy, the country has demonstrated progress with the commissioning of its first solar power plant in late 2022 and ongoing hydroelectric projects, utilising its significant water resources. However, the deployment of these solutions is often hindered by limited electricity access in rural areas and the need for significant capital investment.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 4 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Moov is a mobile network operating in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). The company began operations in 2006 then owned by Atlantique Télécom, only to be acquired by Etisalat shortly after. In 2014 Maroc Telecom took over Etisalat's West African operations comprising of its subsidiaries in Benin, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Niger, the Central African Republic, and Togo. Maroc Telecom holds a direct 84.99% stake in Moov, with the minority shareholder not disclosed.
MTN Cote d'Ivoire is a subsidiary of the South African multinational corporation, MTN Group Limited, and operates as a telecommunications provider in Côte d'Ivoire. The company was established in July 2005 following South African group MTN International (then M-Cell) acquiring Loteny Telecom's (Telecel) mobile phone license who had been providing GSM services in the country since 1996.
Orange Côte d'Ivoire is a leading telecommunications company operating in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). The company began operations in October 1996 as Ivoiris de SIM SA, branded as Ivoiris until its acquisition by Orange Group (then France Télécom) in March 2002. Orange Group hold an 85% stake in the company, with the remainder held by Sifcom Group. In 2010 France Télécom invested in incumbent fixed line services provider Côte d’Ivoire Télécom, formally merging operations in 2016.
YooMee Cote d'Ivoire is a telecommunications company operating in Côte d'Ivoire. Founded in 2011, it is owned by 4G Africa AG, a Switzerland-based telecommunications holding company with operations across Africa.