The future of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) must be written with Africa. This is the strong message delivered by the Minister of Communication, Amadou Coulibaly, on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Abidjan Plateau, during the opening of the Abidjan 2 international conference.

Representing Head of State Alassane Ouattara, the spokesperson for the Ivorian government stressed that the continent must move from the status of mere consumer of rules to that of co-creator.

"Africa must organize itself to actively contribute to defining the rules that will structure the digital space of tomorrow," he said.

Between unprecedented opportunities and democratic threats

While the minister acknowledged that AI is a powerful driver of modernization (public services, education, the economy, access to information), he did not shy away from the dark side of this technological revolution. Among the major pitfalls identified:

1. The proliferation of large-scale disinformation .
2. The manipulation of public opinion by algorithms .
3. The mass dissemination of falsified content (deepfakes) .

In light of this situation, Amadou Coulibaly emphasized the urgent need for action, describing disinformation as a direct threat to democratic stability. He specifically highlighted the Ivorian initiative "Online, Everyone Responsible," an awareness campaign that has been active since 2023.

Towards balanced and concerted regulation

Looking ahead, the roadmap is clear. The Ivorian minister is advocating for a tripartite regulatory model capable of reconciling:

1. Technological innovation
2. Digital sovereignty
3. The protection of individual freedoms

To achieve this, he calls for a "permanent dialogue" without taboos between regulatory authorities and web giants (digital platforms) in order to safeguard freedom of expression while setting ethical limits.

A strategic summit in Abidjan

Organised by the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication ( HACA ), in partnership with REFRAM (Francophone Media Network) and RIARC (Network of African Communication Regulatory Bodies), the Abidjan 2 conference will close its doors this Wednesday.

For three days, a prestigious panel of experts, regulators, and tech giants will be working on the legal frameworks of tomorrow. The opening ceremony was held in the presence of key figures, including:

1. Françoise Remarck , Minister of Culture and Francophonie.
2. Samba Koné , president of the National Press Authority (ANP).
3. Numerous leaders of regulatory bodies from across Africa and the Francophone world.