MTN C么te d'Ivoire launches program to equip 500,000 people with discounted 4G devices
via Abidjan.net8 min read
MTN C么te d'Ivoire officially launched the "Smartphone for All" program on Monday, June 29, 2026. This national initiative aims to subsidize access to 4G mobile internet devices, offering them at a preferential rate of 11,900 FCFA, significantly lower than their initial market value of 35,000 FCFA. The strategic objective is to equip over 500,000 people by the end of 2027 to bridge the digital divide in the country. This commercial deployment, structured in partnership with Smartphone for All Pty Limited, targets identified customers who do not currently own connected devices. By removing the financial barrier of initial acquisition cost, MTN C么te d'Ivoire intends to transition a significant portion of the Ivorian population to the modern digital ecosystem. The operation focuses on the economic and educational integration of communities and youth, facilitating access to online learning platforms, digital finance solutions like Mobile Money, and digital communication networks and professional opportunities. Mitwa Ng鈥檃mbi, Director General of MTN C么te d鈥橧voire, stated that access to digital technology should be an opportunity accessible to all, not a privilege. Babatunde Osho, Founder and CEO of Smartphone for All Pty Limited, praised the partnership for deploying an innovative and inclusive solution that can transform digital access and open new opportunities for populations. This action plan through 2027 reaffirms MTN C么te d'Ivoire's position as a major player in local digital
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The General Confederation of Enterprises of C么te d'Ivoire CGECI hosted a high-level "Business Outreach 2026" session in Abidjan on June 29, 2026. This event brought together the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank AfDB, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank AIIB. The primary goal is to remove barriers to international financing and enable Ivorian and African companies to secure large-scale public procurement contracts funded by these institutions. Recognizing the complexity of procurement processes for local SMEs, the meeting provided practical guidance. Experts from the banks presented their regional operational contexts and specific procurement rules. The International Finance Corporation IFC detailed its direct financing and support mechanisms for the private sector. Participants received a practical guide on formulating technical and financial proposals that meet international standards. F茅lix Yenan, Deputy Executive Director of CGECI, emphasized that projects funded by multilateral banks are not just contract opportunities but also a "school of rigor, compliance, and performance." This initiative by Ivorian employers aligns with the National Development Plan PND 2026-2030, aiming to connect the local economy with multi-billion dollar projects and scale up national enterprises. Adu-Gyamfi Abunyewa, Sector Director for Procurement at the World Bank, stated that Africa's development ambitions require a dynamic, competitive, and innovative private sector. T
Ivory Coast's journey in the 2026 World Cup concluded on Tuesday, June 30, following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16 match held at Dallas Stadium. Norway's Antonio Nusa opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Ivory Coast, under coach 脡merse Fa茅, equalized in the 74th minute with a goal from substitute Amad Diallo. However, Norway secured their victory in the 86th minute with a goal from Erling Haaland. This loss marks the end of Ivory Coast's historic campaign, which saw them qualify for the knockout stage for the first time. Norway will now advance to face Brazil in the round of 16.
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