Côte d’Ivoire: Africa’s vanguard in the fight against disinformation
At Abidjan’s Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, visitors are greeted not only by the humid air and modern infrastructure but also by signs of a nation in flux. Côte d’Ivoire, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, is preparing for a contentious presidential election in October 2025. But behind the ballot lies another battle—against disinformation.
Long regarded as a beacon of economic reform and political recovery in West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire now finds itself at the frontline of a new kind of conflict: information warfare. Fake news, AI-generated videos, anonymous messaging campaigns, and shadowy foreign influence operations threaten to destabilise its fragile democratic gains.
In response, the Ivorian government has launched one of the continent’s most structured and comprehensive strategies to counter the threat. The aim is not only to protect political stability but also to maintain investor confidence and regional leadership.
A two-pronged defence
At the heart of the government’s response is Amadou Coulibaly, Minister of Communication and government spokesperson. Under his guidance, Côte d’Ivoire has pursued a twin-track approach: civic resilience and cyber coordination.
First, the government is investing in media literacy. Radio and online campaigns aim to sharpen critical thinking skills, while schools are rolling out modules to educate teenagers on spotting misinformation. “We cannot fight disinformation solely through repression,” says Coulibaly. “We must empower citizens to be vigilant consumers of content”.
Second, the state has intensified cybersecurity coordination through collaboration between the Ministry of Communication and the National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI). Their remit includes monitoring social networks, partnering with major digital platforms, and shielding critical state infrastructure from digital intrusion.
This dual effort mirrors European initiatives such as France’s national agency against information manipulation, under the Secretariat-General for Defence and National Security (SGDSN). But Côte d’Ivoire’s programme is perhaps more striking for having emerged in a context of limited resources and higher vulnerability.
A regional laboratory
The stakes are geopolitical as well as domestic. As Abidjan gains stature as a financial and diplomatic hub bridging Francophone Africa, the Gulf, Europe, and Asia, disinformation campaigns have proliferated. Some are suspected to originate from regional rivals such as Burkina Faso; others from global actors with interests in disrupting West Africa’s balance of power.
The motivation is clear. Undermining trust in democratic institutions and amplifying political tensions could reduce Côte d’Ivoire’s leverage in regional negotiations, weaken its economic trajectory, and even erode international partnerships. This is why, according to political adviser and Grand Chancellor Ally Coulibaly—former foreign minister and long-time confidant of President Alassane Ouattara—“controlling the narrative is now as strategic as controlling territory”.
From defence to model
If Côte d’Ivoire can maintain this path—combining credible governance, digital innovation, and public trust—it may become a model for other nations navigating similar storms. It also sends a message to external actors that African democracies are no longer passive targets in the information age.
Yet challenges remain. The political environment is tense. Former President Laurent Gbagbo retains a loyal base. Tidjane Thiam, once a potential unifier of the opposition, has been sidelined. Meanwhile, the current administration has yet to confirm whether President Ouattara will seek a fourth term. In this climate, the line between legitimate dissent and manipulated outrage is dangerously thin.
For now, Côte d’Ivoire’s approach offers a case study in practical resilience. Its progress is closely watched—not just in African capitals but in Brussels, Washington, Riyadh and Silicon Valley. With elections looming and misinformation campaigns on the rise globally, Abidjan may offer more than just an African example; it could become a global benchmark.
The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.
Jack Zaoui is the France correspondent for Global South World, an international media outlet focused on the dynamics of the Global South. A recognised expert in economics and geopolitics, he regularly contributes in-depth analysis, offering a unique perspective on global power shifts, economic transformations, and contemporary strategic balances. With an international background, Jack Zaoui has lived in France, Israel, and several other countries—an experience that enriches his reporting and sharpens his understanding of global issues.
