The 2nd edition of the Radio Communications Forum (FRC 2026) officially opened on September 24, 2026, at the Abidjan Exhibition Park in Côte d'Ivoire. The event, organized by the Ivoirian Agency for Radio Frequency Management (AIGF), brings together institutions, experts, operators, technical partners, and media representatives to discuss the management of the radioelectric spectrum. This year's theme is "Deployment of terrestrial and satellite radio networks, and exposure to electromagnetic waves: national strategy."
The forum is being held on the sidelines of the Africa Space Expo (ASPEX) and will run for three days. Mamadou Touré, Minister of Youth Promotion, Youth Insertion, and Civic Service, speaking on behalf of Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Téné Birahima Ouattara, emphasized the importance of the space sector in Côte d'Ivoire's development. He recalled the creation of the Côte d'Ivoire Space Agency (ASCI) on June 4, 2025, and highlighted the role of satellite surveillance in enhancing national security.
Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, underscored the academic and operational dimensions of the sector. He praised the leadership of Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, Director General of ASCI and President of the African Space Agency (AfSA) Council. Diawara also mentioned the involvement of the INP-HB of Yamoussoukro in the KiboCube program, which aims to design a CubeSat nanosatellite.
Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, stressed the need for synergy between terrestrial and spatial infrastructures to achieve 100% network coverage. He highlighted the importance of low-altitude constellations, radioelectric spectrum management, and data valorization. The forum also features innovation and inclusivity, with the Ivoire Space Hack and Spatielles competitions promoting female leadership.
Abel Djohoré Gbakayoko, Chairman of the AIGF Board of Directors, emphasized that the management of the radioelectric spectrum is a matter of national sovereignty, economic development, and social cohesion. He noted that the forum aligns with the ambitions of the Africa Space Expo, which aims to make Côte d'Ivoire a major player in the African space and digital revolution.
The AIGF plays a central role in planning, controlling, and monitoring the use of radio frequencies in Côte d'Ivoire. The agency conducts regular checks, on-demand inspections, and verification on the ground, as well as national campaigns to measure public exposure to electromagnetic waves. The goal is to ensure efficient, transparent, and sustainable use of the spectrum, prevent interference, and protect the population.
The forum will feature technical workshops, scientific presentations on electromagnetic waves, and strategic discussions on network deployment, installation compliance, and sector priorities. The event is expected to conclude with the identification of priority areas and the Abidjan Declaration, a roadmap to inform the national strategy. On the sidelines of the forum, Côte d'Ivoire signed the Artemis Accords with the United States and concluded a memorandum of understanding between AfSA and the United Arab Emirates.
Key points
- The 2nd Radio Communications Forum in Côte d'Ivoire focuses on efficient management of the radioelectric spectrum.
- The forum aims to ensure effective use of the spectrum, prevent interference, and protect the population.
- The event brings together institutions, experts, and stakeholders to discuss national strategy and priorities in the space sector.
