Abidjan, June 2026 – Côte d’Ivoire has announced plans to establish a public university dedicated to artificial intelligence as part of its National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening digital sovereignty, building local technology talent, and driving economic transformation.
The government has allocated more than CFA114.8 trillion ($204 billion) to the PND, with major investments in digital infrastructure, higher education, and public-sector digitalization. The AI university will serve as a cornerstone of this agenda, aligning academic training with the needs of an economy increasingly shaped by data, automation, and emerging technologies.
The project is part of a broader expansion of Côte d’Ivoire’s higher education system, which includes new universities in Abengourou, Daoukro, and Dabou, as well as several university technology institutes. Authorities aim to both increase enrollment capacity and direct academic programs toward critical growth sectors such as digital technology, agro-industry, mining, healthcare, and services.
The AI university will also support the implementation of the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy through 2030, launched last year to position AI as a driver of competitiveness and sovereignty. Plans include the creation of AI-focused centers of excellence within universities and technical institutions, offering advanced training, applied research, and innovation.
Curricula will cover disciplines such as data science, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and intelligent systems, building a pipeline of skilled professionals to meet rising market demand. By narrowing the digital talent gap, the institution is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s domestic technology ecosystem.
Beyond education, the PND also prioritizes investments in fiber-optic networks, data centers, and resilient technology solutions, alongside the digitalization of public administration. Within this framework, the AI university represents a foundational step toward linking academic training with productive sectors, enhancing research capabilities, and fostering locally designed technological solutions.
With this initiative, Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself as a regional leader in AI education and innovation, ensuring that its workforce is prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
