We just launched our WhatsApp channel. Want to get the latest news from the Tech in Africa?
Grace Ashiru
Orange, MTN, and Moov Africa have committed to expanding network coverage across Côte d’Ivoire by deploying 240 new small-scale radio sites.
This initiative aligns with the government’s push for broader digital inclusion and improved service quality, particularly in rural areas that have long been underserved. On February 20, the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency of Côte d’Ivoire (ARTCI) announced the project, emphasizing its significance in closing the digital divide.
However, this expansion isn’t purely an act of goodwill. In 2021, these telecom giants were hit with substantial fines for failing to meet service quality standards—Orange was fined $11.2 million, while MTN and Moov Africa faced penalties of $5 million and $4 million, respectively. Rather than paying the fines outright, the companies negotiated agreements with the government to redirect these funds into network infrastructure investments. Moov Africa and Orange signed their agreements in late 2024, while MTN only joined the initiative this month.
The network expansion aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s broader digital transformation efforts, particularly the government’s objective to connect 240 villages in 2025 as part of the second phase of the National Rural Connectivity Program (PNCR). To support this goal, the government has allocated CFA18 billion ($30 million), while the telecom fines, now repurposed for infrastructure development, contribute an additional CFA13.2 billion ($22 million).
Despite these financial commitments, a significant challenge persists—historically, telecom operators have been reluctant to expand into rural areas due to lower profitability. That very hesitation was what led to the initial penalties.
To ensure accountability this time around, ARTCI has established multiple monitoring and evaluation committees to track progress. With 4G coverage already reaching 91.5% of the population and 2G/3G networks covering over 98%, Côte d’Ivoire is well-positioned to enhance digital access. However, whether this latest initiative results in meaningful and lasting improvements, particularly for rural communities, remains to be seen.
