The Ivorian government adopted a key decree on Wednesday 14 October 2026 in Abidjan setting the financial terms for the release of 5G frequencies. This decision aims to accelerate the country's digital modernization through state support.
In clear terms, it allows for the release of the strategic band between 3 300 and 3 600 MHz, corresponding to the radio channels essential for the operation of 5G.
In the 90s, 2G only allowed for calls and sending SMS. In the 2000s, 3G introduced the Internet for checking emails on mobile devices.
Then, 4G changed everything by making the Internet fast, which enabled watching videos and easily using all our current applications.
Compared to these generations, 5G represents a leap forward by bringing three major advantages: very high-speed mobile Internet, no latency during data exchanges (highly useful for remote medicine), and the ability to connect a vast number of devices simultaneously. Thanks to these assets, Ivory Coast intends to modernize the daily lives of its population, improve distance learning, and help farmers better manage their harvests.
While the initial roadmap provided for a launch of 5G as early as the beginning of the year 2023, coinciding with the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast, discussions between ARTCI and the operators, which continued until 2025, delayed the deadlines.
This delay is primarily explained by the complexity of reallocating this frequency band, which is already occupied by other providers. The authorities also had to ensure the reservation of sufficient space, a minimum bandwidth of 100 MHz, in order to offer the highest possible Internet speeds to all users.
With this in mind, the prior allocation of pilot networks in strategic cities, such as Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, served as a preparatory phase to adjust technical requirements.
Today, this new regulatory framework makes it possible to definitively remove financial obstacles and begin progressive coverage of all municipalities with more than 25 000 inhabitants. This initiative specifically aims to strengthen the national digital development strategy, structured around six major pillars, including the expansion of the national fiber optic network.
Furthermore, the National Rural Connectivity Program has a budget of 28 billion FCFA to promote digital inclusion. Finally, as nearly 47% of the population still lives in rural areas poorly covered by terrestrial networks, 5G may be complemented by low Earth orbit satellites, such as Starlink, which launched in Ivory Coast in July 2026.
This technological combination will provide a reliable Internet connection throughout the entire territory.
Anselme Akéko
Published on 15/10/26 16:10
The Editorial Board