Côte d’Ivoire is stepping up its artificial intelligence drive with a partnership with European AI company Mistral AI, adding private-sector technology expertise to a national strategy backed by CFAF 1.3 trillion ($2.3 billion).

The agreement, signed in Abidjan on Aug. 17 and announced Sept. 1, will focus on developing AI applications for the government, businesses and the public. The move comes as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to use AI to strengthen key parts of its economy and improve public services.

The first phase will be an audit of the country’s AI ecosystem, covering data, digital infrastructure, local expertise and potential use cases. The findings will help the government identify projects that can have a direct economic or social impact before pilot programs begin.

Agriculture is expected to be a major focus. The sector accounts for about 20% of Côte d’Ivoire’s gross domestic product, and the government says AI could help monitor crops, improve the use of agricultural inputs and forecast climate-related risks.

Mistral AI partnership targets agriculture, health and education

Health care is another priority, with potential applications ranging from medical diagnosis and telemedicine to managing health services. The technology could also support efforts to improve access to care in areas where medical services remain limited.

In education and research, the government expects AI to help develop the technical skills needed to build a stronger local technology ecosystem. Public administration could use AI to automate routine tasks, manage data and improve government services.

Mistral AI will work with Artefact Côte d’Ivoire, a data and AI specialist, to adapt the program to local conditions. The audit will also determine whether the country needs additional data infrastructure, computing capacity or skilled workers before the first projects are launched.

Côte d’Ivoire builds on $2.3 billion AI strategy

The partnership is part of Côte d’Ivoire’s 2026-2028 digital roadmap, which contains 40 major projects and identifies artificial intelligence as a key priority.

The government has committed CFAF 1.3 trillion ($2.3 billion) to its national AI strategy. In May 2025, it signed agreements with CEDITECH, Amini Corp and TBI covering AI training, data and public-service applications.

Two additional agreements with G42 Presight were signed in July 2025 to support public administration modernization and digital development.

For Côte d’Ivoire, the bigger test will be turning those commitments into working infrastructure, skilled workers and AI products that businesses and citizens can actually use.

The government wants the digital sector to contribute 12% to 15% of GDP by 2030, up from about 6% to 8% currently.