The roll-out of a fiber-optic network will boost connectivity, including in rural areas, and benefit households and businesses alike (46).

Enhancing internet connectivity will strengthen the start-up sector by improving access to global markets, fostering innovation, and enabling broader use of digital tools critical for scaling businesses (47).

Improving the Internet offering will enable companies and public administrations to reach more people and increase their productivity (46).

The physical infrastructure required to support internet connectivity (e.g., data centers) consumes significant amounts of energy and can lead to environmental degradation if not managed sustainably.

While the construction of optic fiber networks emit five times less than copper networks, it still generates CO2 emissions and can lead to habitats destruction (50, 51).

Without adaptation plans, small businesses and traditional industries might struggle to compete with digital platforms, leading to job losses and economic instability for vulnerable populations.

If robust regulations and protections are not enforced, cybersecurity might be at risk, leading to misuse of personal data and exposing public and private actors to attacks.

Gender inequality and/or marginalization risk: If only the most affluent urban households are connected to fiber and fixed internet, the gap in internet access between men and women is likely to stagnate.

If infrastructure development costs are passed by internet providers to consumers, many individuals and small businesses may be unable to afford high-speed internet, reducing optic fibber's potential benefits.

Without adequate training or public awareness programs, many citizens may not be able to fully take advantage of the opportunities provided by high-speed internet, particularly in rural or underserved communities.

If not distributed across urban and rural areas, investments in internet infrastructure may not contribute to narrow the digital divide.

Foster digital inclusivity, enhance economic empowerment, and reduce gender inequality by expanding access to the internet.

The National Development Plan 2021-2025 aims to foster the digital economy by expanding digital infrastructure, including a nationwide fiber optic network and data centers. Additionally, it outlines objectives for building digital skills and increasing financial inclusion through digital services (3).

The Côte d'Ivoire's digital strategy to 2025 (Stratégie numérique de la Côte d’Ivoire à l’horizon 2025) was adopted in 2021 to coordinate public action for the digital economy, with a 2,000 billion CFA Francs budget (USD 3.4 billion). It aims to foster competition in the telecommunications sector; build infrastructures, and expand broadband coverage in rural areas (8, 36).

Cyber security strategy 2021-2025 was adopted in 2021. It aims to secure cyberspace with the creation of a national security operations center (SOC) capable of monitoring cybersecurity incidents in real time and strengthening the protection of critical physical infrastructures, such as optical fiber networks (10, 37).

Financial incentives: The World Bank has provided USD 300 million in financial support to access to electricity and internet in Côte d'Ivoire, including the layout of 184 km of optical fiber cables in northern regions (30).

Other incentives: Under the High Speed National Network, Côte d'Ivoire is building 7,000 kms of optic fiber cables. Starting from 2025, ANSUT aims to leverage this network to enhance connectivity for Internet service providers (35).

Other incentives: UNESCO and the government of Côte d'Ivoire launched a study on internet access in the country to identify specific objectives for universal access (20).

The 2017 Law No. 2017-803 ("Loi d'Orientation de la Société de l'Information") establishes the framework for developing the information society, focusing on expanding high-speed internet infrastructure. Real estate developers must include high-speed internet in new buildings, and telecom operators must report newly covered areas. Telecommunications infrastructure can be installed free on public land for public utility, with compensation for material damage if applicable (34).

The Comité National de Digitalisation was established by Arrêté N°0910/PM/CAB on September 26, 2022. Its primary mission is to oversee the coordination, alignment, and evaluation of digital transformation initiatives across the country. It supports the design of mutualized financing and operating models, which play a key role for optic fiber networks. Under the authority of the Prime Minister, the committee also plays a central role in modernizing public administration, aiming for a "Zero Paper" strategy by 2030 (33).

Decree No. 2018-34 stipulates that the fee for acquiring a C1 License to provide internet services is set at 250 million CFA Francs (USD 412,000), with the option to pay in instalments (32).

The Authority for regulation of telecommunications and ICT of Cote d'Ivoire (ARTCI) is elaborating plans for the implementation of shared telecommunications infrastructure for 5G deployment. This approach involves issuing a request for proposals from potential contractors to develop mechanisms for infrastructure sharing. This will translate into increased demand for fiber backbone and cost efficiency for operators using the network (21).

Law No. 2013-450 on the protection of personal data was adopted in 2013 to ensure the safe use of personal data and enforce protections against malicious purposes. It requires that telecom operators and infrastructure providers implement stringent measures to protect personal data (28).

Ordinance No. 2012-293 established the Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC de Côte d'Ivoire (ARTCI), resulting from the merger of two previous regulatory bodies (Conseil des Télécommunications de Côte d'Ivoire (CTCI) and Agence des Télécommunications de Côte d'Ivoire (ATCI)). ARTCI is responsible for overseeing investments in digital infrastructures, including optic fiber networks (29).

Moov' Africa, VIPNET, MainOne, Axians (Vinci), MTN CI, Csquared, Axians, Sagemcom, and Bouygues Energies & Services, Confédération Générale des Entreprises de Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI), Ecoband network.

Comité national de digitalisation, Ministère de l'Economie et des Finances, Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC de Côte d’Ivoire (ARTCI), Ministère de l'Economie Numérique, des Télécommunications et de l'Innovation, Centre de Promotion des Investissements en Côte d’Ivoire (CEPICI).

Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), African Development Bank (AfDB), European Union (EU).

French company Axians was selected for the installation of 1,920 km of fiber optic cable on behalf of the National Agency for Universal Telecommunications Service. Its started its operation in 2016 (38).

The Comoé district has been identified as having low rates of internet penetration and is the target of digital inclusion programs. Overall, the district is lagging behind in terms of development compared to the rest of the country. Its labor participation rate is small and it has a higher unemployment rate than the national average. The development of internet infrastructure would lead to improved economic opportunities and could contribute to reducing unemployment (39, 43).

The North of the country has a less developed digital infrastructure than the south, and benefits from aid, notably from the World Bank, to develop the fiber-optic network. Public administrations in the district are being equipped with computer hardware, but without reliable and fast internet, their efficiency would stagnate (30, 44).

The North of the country has a less developed digital infrastructure than the south, and benefits from aid, notably from the World Bank, to develop the fiber-optic network. At the frontier with Mali, the connection has been reported to be unstable and very slow. The Savanes district is among the largest in Côte d'Ivoire with a scattered population, which hampers access to public services. Internet access could help to improve accessibility for isolated communities (30, 42, 45).

The Zanzan district exhibits one of the highest poverty rates in Côte d'Ivoire, along with significant gender-based discrimination and youth unemployment. The development of digital infrastructures would reduce the barriers to entry for vulnerable populations in terms of access to economic opportunities and healthcare. In addition, the district benefits from aid, notably from the World Bank, to develop the fiber-optic network (30).