Cybastion Drives Côte d’Ivoire’s Digital Transformation with Ambitious Tech Initiatives
Cybastion's CEO, Thierry Wandji, emphasized that the goal is not just about technology but about sovereignty and dignity.
An American cybersecurity and digital solutions company, Cybastion , has become a key player in Côte d’Ivoire’s push for a digital future through a series of partnerships and initiatives aimed at building a skilled workforce and strengthening national infrastructure. The company’s efforts, in collaboration with the Ivorian government, Cisco, and the U.S. Embassy, focus on a three-pronged strategy: education, tourism, and foundational infrastructure.
A centerpiece of this strategy is the “DigiEmpower” program, a joint initiative with the Ivorian government and Cisco. The program aims to train 200,000 young people and women within five years to help meet the country’s projected need for five million digital jobs by 2030. Andre Biyong, Cybastion’s Chief Operating Officer, noted that in just a few months, over 10,000 young Ivorians have already received training in digital skills. The training, offered at the Tech Academy in Abidjan, includes specialized courses in AI, data science, and cybersecurity, leading to Cisco-verified certifications.
Beyond formal training, Cybastion’s philanthropic arm, THEYA Foundation, works with partners like DigiFemmes Côte d’Ivoire to provide digital literacy to women at a grassroots level. At a recent event, 100 women learned about online safety, misinformation, and how to use digital platforms to expand their small businesses.
“Training women is an investment in the growth of the entire community.”
– Fatima Kourouma, Program Director, THEYA Foundation
In the tourism sector, Cybastion has partnered with the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure to create a national eTourism platform. This platform, to be rolled out over the next decade, will streamline travel services, strengthen governance, and position the country as a digital leader in African tourism. The company also signed a strategic pact to integrate artificial intelligence into tourism policy.
Underpinning these initiatives is the development of key infrastructure, including a new digital innovation hub in Grand-Bassam. According to Andre Biyong, this hub will feature a sovereign data center to provide a secure backbone for government services. He added that the hub is more than just a building; it is a symbol of Côte d’Ivoire’s readiness to lead in the digital age by fostering entrepreneurship and creating jobs.
Cybastion’s CEO, Thierry Wandji, emphasized that the goal is not just about technology but about sovereignty and dignity. U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating that when governments, the private sector, and communities collaborate, the results are far greater than the sum of their parts.
