US announces multiple commercial agreements in C么te d'Ivoire across digital, health, education, and logistics sectors
via Abidjan.net10 min read
Frank R. Garcia, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, announced several US commercial agreements in C么te d'Ivoire on July 16, 2026, during his first visit to Africa since taking office. These agreements span the digital, health, education, and logistics sectors. Notably, Starlink has been authorized to provide high-speed internet services throughout C么te d'Ivoire, including rural areas, utilizing American satellite technology. Additionally, the Ivorian government has approved a $170 million project by US company Cybastion, financed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. This project will establish a sovereign national data center, a platform for digitizing public services, and an intelligent border surveillance system. Cisco and Cybastion are also collaborating with the US Embassy to enhance the American presence in C么te d'Ivoire's digital sector, creating jobs in both countries. In the health sector, ABD Group reached an agreement for a $293 million healthcare infrastructure project, the first major initiative under a $570 million framework agreement signed in April 2026 between ABD Group and the Ivorian government. This project will construct 55 new primary health centers and 15 new maternity wards in university and regional hospital centers, along with hospital rehabilitation projects, with work commencing in 2026 and lasting 36 months. Furthermore, US technological logistics company NTELX signed a contract with the Grand Abidjan Port-City Integration Project to expand
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Must ReadFrank R. Garcia, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, announced several commercial agreements between American companies and C么te d'Ivoire during his first visit to Africa. These agreements span the digital, health, education, and logistics sectors. The Ivorian government has granted final authorization to Starlink to provide high-speed internet services, utilizing American satellite technology to improve connectivity across the country, including rural areas. Additionally, American company Cybastion received approval for a $170 million project, financed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank, to build a sovereign national data center, develop a public services digitization platform, and deploy an intelligent border surveillance system. Cisco and Cybastion are also collaborating with the US Embassy to strengthen the American digital presence in C么te d'Ivoire and create jobs in both countries. In the health sector, ABD Group reached an agreement for a $293 million healthcare infrastructure project, the first major initiative from a $570 million framework agreement signed in April 2026 between the company and the Ivorian government, covering health, education, and water. For logistics, American company NTELX signed a contract with the Grand Abidjan Port-City Integration Project to deploy truck coordination technology at the Port of Abidjan to improve goods traffic flow. Garcia stated that Starlink's commercial services authorization is a significant step for conn
Sidi Tour茅, Vice-President of Liberal International and Minister of Animal and Fishery Resources, and Alexandra Heldt, West Africa Regional Director for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation FNF, have called for a new approach to the Africa-Europe partnership regarding migration. Speaking at the Liberal Forum for Political Dialogue in Abidjan, held from July 15-16, 2026, under the theme "Migration, security and development: rethinking the Africa-Europe partnership," they emphasized that migration should be viewed as a matter of freedom rather than solely a problem. Sidi Tour茅 highlighted UN data indicating that migrants constitute 3.7% of the global population, with over 96% of people living in their birth countries, and noted that 70% of African migration occurs within the continent. He stressed the importance of preserving free movement, despite political divergences, particularly concerning the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS. Alexandra Heldt condemned xenophobic rhetoric in both Africa and Europe, citing violence against migrants in South Africa since 2008. She pointed out the paradox in Europe, where labor needs coexist with anti-immigration sentiment, and argued that migration fosters exchange, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Both advocated for a balanced Africa-Europe partnership founded on mobility, shared responsibility, and liberal values, urging decision-makers to focus on trust and cooperation over fear and rejection. Sidi Tour茅 concluded by s
The Children of Africa Foundation officially launched preparations for its 10th gala dinner on Tuesday, July 15, 2026. The event, scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Sofitel Abidjan H么tel Ivoire, aims to raise funds for the construction of the Treichville Youth Center. Nadine Sangar茅, Director of the Foundation and representative of First Lady Dominique Ouattara, stated that after numerous initiatives for children and women, the Foundation recognized the importance of creating a dedicated space for youth. The project will be built on a 1.6-hectare plot in Treichville, featuring a 3,604 m虏 built area. It will include a library, a 1,000-seat amphitheater, cultural workshops, sports facilities such as padel and Maracana football fields, and a 210-space parking lot. Previous galas have funded major infrastructure projects, including the Bingerville Mother-Child Hospital in 2012, the Abobo School Group of Excellence in 2018, the Adiak茅 reception center for women victims of violence in 2022, and the new pediatric cardiology wing in 2024. The gala evening, designed by Fabrice Sawegnon of Voodoo Group, will feature artists like Dadju, MC Solaar, Magic System, and Franck Dubosc, with a menu by French chef Yannick All茅no incorporating Ivorian flavors. A raffle with a new Kia Sportage as the grand prize and an art auction will also be part of the event.