A further step towards accelerating the digital transformation of higher education in Côte d'Ivoire. The Virtual University of Côte d'Ivoire ( UVCI ) and MTN-CI , in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, officially inaugurated the MTN-UVCI ICT Hub at the Grand-Bassam Digital Presence Point (PPN). This new center aims to boost and facilitate digital training for learners in the region.

A Strategic Partnership for Innovation

This project is part of an ambitious public-private partnership aimed at stimulating technological innovation and modernizing higher education in Ivory Coast.

The inauguration follows the successful launch of the MTN Skills Academy platform in September 2025, a crucial initiative aimed at certifying over 10,000 learners in digital skills. To equip this new center, the MTN Foundation donated a significant amount of computer equipment to UVCI, including:

1. 15 desktop computers
2. 3 high-speed internet boxes
3. 1 projection screen

The ceremony was marked by the symbolic handover of the keys to the Hub. Ms. Coulibaly Natenin , Secretary General of MTN-CI, officially transferred the management of the structure to Professor Koné Tiémoman , President of UVCI.

Reactions Welcomed by Authorities

The initiative was warmly welcomed by local and academic authorities.

1. A Smart City: Representing Mayor Jean-Louis Moulot, municipal councilor Mamadou Sidibé welcomed this achievement which, according to him, "makes Grand-Bassam a true smart city" .
2. A Structuring Support: Professor Koné Tiémoman , President of UVCI, expressed his gratitude to the MTN Foundation for its ongoing support. He recalled the Foundation's previous commitment to promoting university research, particularly through its support for the registration of nearly 17,000 theses in public universities.
3. Employment and Future: Ms. Bah Sylvie , Deputy Secretary General of the Prefecture, emphasized the crucial importance of this Hub for the professional integration of young people. "This project fully contributes to strengthening the employability of young people. It is a significant step forward for Côte d'Ivoire," she stated.

The president of UVCI also announced the upcoming expansion of UVCI's digital training activities to other cities, such as Bonoua, following the successful launch in Grand-Bassam.

"We are pleased today to benefit from this structuring support from the MTN Foundation." – Professor Koné Tiémoman, President of UVCI.

The Virtual University of Côte d'Ivoire (UVCI) is a public administrative institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, created to meet the challenges of distance learning and the digital modernization of higher education.