The Agence Nationale du Service Universel des Télécommunications (ANSUT) in Côte d'Ivoire has reaffirmed its commitment to making digital services accessible to all citizens. At the second edition of the Ivoire Tech Forum, held from November 11 to 13, 2026, in Abidjan, the agency launched the Programme d'Accès aux Smartphones Subventionnés (PASS). This initiative aims to facilitate the acquisition of smartphones by low-income populations.
The PASS program is part of the country's national policy to democratize access to digital services. It is supported by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, led by Minister Djibril Ouattara. The program's goal is to make digital services essential, accessible, and affordable for all. Côte d'Ivoire has also signed a protocol agreement with the GSMA to integrate its global "Affordability" program, which aims to improve access to mobile terminals and digital services.
The ANSUT has been tasked with leading the PASS program, which was launched on November 12, 2026. The program is designed to provide financial support, contributions from partners, and accompaniment to beneficiaries. The agency's Director-General, Gilles Thierry Beugré, has stated that the goal is to increase the country's smartphone penetration rate from 40% to 80% by 2030.
The PASS program is part of a broader strategy to reduce the digital divide in Côte d'Ivoire. The ANSUT has also presented several projects, including the Centres d'Innovation et de Culture Numérique (CICN), which aim to promote the adoption of technologies and develop digital skills. Additionally, the agency has shared the results of the "Nos Villages Connectés" program, which has enabled 211 villages to access digital services.
Another innovation presented at the Ivoire Tech Forum is the JULABA platform, which uses artificial intelligence to facilitate daily commercial activities for low-literate traders. The platform allows users to perform common operations using voice commands and local languages. The ANSUT has also awarded the Prix ANSUT de l'Innovation Technologique to several young entrepreneurs who have developed innovative solutions to address development challenges in the country.
The Ivoire Tech Forum provided a platform for the ANSUT to showcase its commitment to digital inclusion. The agency's participation highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to digital inclusion, which goes beyond the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure. It also involves ensuring access to equipment, developing digital skills, and promoting new uses.
The launch of the PASS program and the ANSUT's other initiatives demonstrate the agency's efforts to promote digital inclusion in Côte d'Ivoire. The program has the potential to make a significant impact on the country's digital landscape and improve access to digital services for low-income populations. The ANSUT's commitment to digital inclusion is in line with the country's vision of making digital services accessible and affordable for all.
Key points
- The PASS program aims to increase Côte d'Ivoire's smartphone penetration rate from 40% to 80% by 2030.
