While Ivorian telecom operators are required to ensure nationwide coverage, some areas remain underserved. To bridge this gap, the government has intensified pressure as part of its digital transformation agenda.
Orange, MTN, and Moov Africa will deploy 240 small-scale radio sites across Côte d’Ivoire to enhance coverage. This initiative stems from financial penalties imposed in 2021 for failing service quality standards—Orange was fined USD 11.2 million, MTN USD 5 million, and Moov Africa USD 4 million. Rather than paying the fines, the operators agreed to reinvest in network expansion.
The project aligns with the government’s goal to connect 240 villages in 2025 under the National Rural Connectivity Program (PNCR). While 4G coverage reached 91.5% of the population in 2023, GSMA’s 2024 Mobile Connectivity Index rated the country’s network coverage at 85.2%.
With CFA18 billion allocated to PNCR’s second phase and CFA13.2 billion redirected from fines, effective implementation remains key. Operators, historically reluctant to invest in rural areas due to low profitability, now face close monitoring from regulatory committees.
