The challenges related to artificial intelligence (AI), digital sovereignty, and trust in the African digital ecosystem were at the heart of discussions during the ministerial panel held this Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Abidjan, as part of the 2nd edition of the Digital Law Days. Under the theme “AI, Sovereignty, and Digital Trust: Are African States Ready?”, this meeting brought together several members of the government, experts, and digital stakeholders at the Espace Latrille Event.
Participating in the panel alongside several high-ranking government officials, including the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, the Secretary General of the Government, Charlemagne Dah, and Kouassi Bernard, Chief of Staff representing the Minister of Justice, Minister Kalil Konaté highlighted the strategic role of artificial intelligence in Africa’s economic and industrial transformation. “Artificial intelligence is a tool that automates, accelerates thinking, and facilitates decision-making,” he stated.
Addressing the issue of digital sovereignty, the Minister emphasized the need for African countries to pool their resources to develop robust digital infrastructures. He specifically highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s comparative advantage in energy production. “Côte d’Ivoire must establish itself as a host country for digital infrastructure and data centers, thanks to its readily available energy,” he stated, believing that this strategy would consolidate the country’s leadership in the sub-region and strengthen its digital sovereignty.
While advocating for African ownership of AI technologies, Minister Kalil Konaté called for adapting these tools to the continent’s cultural realities and for establishing a legal framework to protect consumers. “We must certainly adopt what others are doing, but above all, we must develop our own artificial intelligence in line with our cultures and traditions,” he maintained.
The Commissioner General of the Digital Law Days, Ms. Bintou Jarvis, for her part, reaffirmed the organizers’ commitment to making this platform a forum for reflection and proposals on the challenges of digital technology and the protection of rights in the age of artificial intelligence.
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