Côte d'Ivoire is deploying a nationwide 7,000 km fiber optic network to enhance high-speed internet access, connecting urban centers and remote villages.

National Fiber Optic Backbone

Côte d'Ivoire has launched an ambitious project to build a 7,000 km “information superhighway”, forming the backbone of the country's high-speed broadband infrastructure . This backbone aims to connect all prefectures and subprefectures, enabling e-governance services such as online tax payments, census participation, and utility bill management . The project is part of the national digital development strategy through 2025, which also includes expanding 4G coverage and supporting startups .

Key Contractors and Operators

The deployment involves several major players:

• Axians: Responsible for installing 1,920 km of fiber optic cables in collaboration with the Ivorian National Agency of Universal Telecommunications Services (ANSUT), .
• Sagemcom and Bouygues Energies & Services: Contributing to the construction and technical implementation of the network .
• Côte d'Ivoire Câbles (CIC): A subsidiary of Orange CI, providing deployment, maintenance, and modernization services across the country .
• PROJEX CI: Offers turnkey solutions for fiber optic installation, including network planning, site establishment, and optimization .
• Orange Côte d'Ivoire: Extending its fiber network to towns like Divo and Soubré, aiming for nationwide coverage and improved broadband quality .

Deployment Strategy

The rollout follows a phased approach:

1. Construction of pylons and antennas for mobile internet to support initial connectivity .
2. Urban loops installation, enabling FTTH (Fiber to the Home) services for high-speed internet access in cities .
3. Rural connectivity, linking remote villages to the national network to bridge the digital divide and promote socio-economic development . The project also emphasizes quality of service and customer satisfaction, with certified teams handling installation, maintenance, and network optimization .

Strategic Impact

The fiber optic network is expected to:

• Boost economic growth by improving digital infrastructure and enabling new business opportunities .
• Facilitate digital inclusion, allowing citizens in remote areas to access online services.
• Strengthen telecommunication capabilities, supporting both mobile and fixed broadband services . By integrating fiber optic technology nationwide, Côte d'Ivoire is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital connectivity, enhancing both public services and private sector competitiveness.