Côte d’Ivoire is implementing the National Rural Connectivity Program (PNCR), a 38 billion CFA franc ($68 million) initiative that aims to connect 575 communities across the country. In a statement published on Monday, Aug. 24, the government highlighted progress under the program, which seeks to bring digital services closer to rural populations and reduce disparities in access between regions.
The program relies on the deployment of radio sites to provide mobile and internet access in areas where distance and infrastructure costs limit operators’ investments. The first phase, which cost 10 billion CFA francs and ended in 2024, delivered 160 sites across 175 communities and benefited about 221,267 people.
When Network Coverage Opens Access to New Services
Network access allows residents to do more than make calls or connect to the internet. In some communities, new connectivity has gradually expanded access to services and created new economic opportunities.
In Zandanakaha, Ouangolodougou, the installation of an antenna in February 2025 helped expand mobile-money activities. Residents can now make deposits, withdrawals and transfers without traveling several kilometers to another community.
Similarly, the commissioning of a radio site in Kotolo, Dabakala, in January 2025 gave residents access to mobile communications and video calls. These examples illustrate one of the program’s objectives: the government wants digital coverage to serve as infrastructure for broader services rather than only voice communications.
The second phase of the PNCR allocates 18 billion CFA francs to extend connectivity to 240 additional communities. The third phase will allocate 10 billion CFA francs to cover another 160 communities.
Reducing Connectivity Gaps Between Regions
The program forms part of a broader strategy to expand digital infrastructure. The government said Côte d’Ivoire had 5,207 kilometers of national high-speed network infrastructure, while 4G coverage reached 65% of the country in 2024. Under the 2026-2030 National Development Plan, the authorities target 100% 4G coverage and seek to increase the share of the population using the internet from 40.7% to 60% by 2030.
The continued expansion of rural connectivity therefore serves two objectives: the government wants to extend infrastructure to underserved areas and give more people access to services built around mobile technology and the internet.
Digital payments, access to information, online public services and digital economic activities increasingly depend on reliable network availability.
